Hopefully she will hear the full tale told one day, although it is a painful one. They shall all need to know one day--all of them. Too late to strengthen Frodo to the fight against deterioration, perhaps, but still to the strengthening of the Shire.
Author's reply
Well, I think it is after the famine, after Gondor and Rohan and Ithilien come to the rescue, that the Travellers resolve to make the tale known to all Shire-folk.
Woodruff hears bits and pieces, over the years, but it's not until then that she'll hear it all, start to finish, and gain new understanding. (But of course, the famine is not that far away... the Interludes are set in the end of May, after all, and by harvest-time they'll realise how bad a trouble the Shire is in. But that probably won't come into this story.)
Thanks!
Pearl Took
· 1 June 2005
· Chapter 24: Interlude
"I nod. I’d heard the ballads that sprang up afterwards, and are still sung today. You’d think that Merry and Pippin and a handful of Tooks threw the ruffians out of the Shire. Of course, I know better. There were the stout-hearted folk of Bywater, armed with little more than pitchforks and shovels, and Samwise with his sword, and there was Frodo Baggins, who kept the victory from turning into a shameful slaughter. Sometimes the songs do not tell the full tale."
"I cannot explain it, how the cords of two lives have become so entwined, that it seems one cannot exist without the other. It is so amongst those in whom the Fallohide strain runs strong. Marcho, hale and hearty, died within a day of the terrible plague claiming Blanco. They were brothers, Peregrin and Meriadoc are not, yet Peregrin and Meriadoc share such a bond and always have. I do not know what experiences knit them even closer together in the Outlands. I cannot even imagine."
Beautiful! Wonderful! Superb!!
And Regi remembering Pippin's return . . . *sigh* just beautiful!!!!!
Author's reply
Ah, thanks!
It put a little damper on wanting to write Marcho and Blanco, though. How am I ever going to put together a happy ending for that story *now*?
I do love it when Regi remembers Pippin's return. And they say Regi has no imagination...
Dreamflower
· 1 June 2005
· Chapter 24: Interlude
Oh my, if only Woodruff knew of the extent of the Ent-draught's abilities! But of course she doesn't, and there's still some angst to go first!
I loved the way Ferdi and Regi ganged up to manage Merry into the bed--it was almost like watching one of those "buddy movies" where the good guys use their banter to confuse the bad guys--though of course they were *all* good guys here, LOL!
And the beautiful reminiscing of how the Shire was freed--*sigh* that gets me every time.
Author's reply
Ah, yes. Woodruff isn't looking for a complete cure; that's outside her experience. But then she's never been outside of the Shire.
Buddy movies... sometimes the good guys do use their banter to confuse the good guys. h/c reigns!
Thanks.
Connie B.
· 31 May 2005
· Chapter 23: Once Burned
Sorry I'm posting my review so late. I spent the weekend at a fanfiction writers' convention.
This chapter had me wincing all the way through it. Burns are some of the worst, most painful injuries I can imagine. I knew something wasn't right when the started puting butter on the wounds. I knew that in all your other stories they had always used honey. Good thing Woodruff got there when she did.
It was also very wise of her to bandage each finger seperately. This prevents the webbing that Mardi had seen on the person he met who'd been burned.
Good, but unsettling, chapter.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Sounds like you had a fascinating weekend!
I remember being very impressed, years ago in first-aid training, seeing pictures of fingers that healed with the skin grown together. (shivers)
Thanks!
Ariel
· 31 May 2005
· Chapter 23: Once Burned
Oh, how exciting! And kudos for using honey! Best anticeptic the natural world ever produced! I am really enjoying this story!
Author's reply
Isn't honey amazing? I've learned so much while doing the research for this story (though I first used honey for burns in "Jewels", the first long story I ever wrote, I'd sort of forgotten about it until I started researching for this story).
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 30 May 2005
· Chapter 23: Once Burned
Oh, poor Mardi! I was flinching the whole time they were putting butter on his burns! Thank goodness Woodruff knew better--the old butter thing's been around a long time; I can remember my own mother (a nurse) putting butter on a burn--but she took her training in the thirties, and still has a lot of old fashioned ideas.
Thank goodness they got Woodruff there quickly!
Author's reply
Yes, so glad Woodruff got there quickly! She really needs a pony of her own.
Isn't it funny? I don't remember how I learned of the butter cure. Perhaps it was in the old children's book "Yonny Wondernose".
Have the hobbits eaten you out of house and home yet?
Mysterious Jedi
· 30 May 2005
· Chapter 23: Once Burned
I can tell you've done research for this. It makes your story of a higher quality than would generally be expected of fanfiction.
<>< Saved from sin through Christ,
MJ
Author's reply
Thank you! I cannot just write off the cuff, I'm such a perfectionist that I want the details to be right. From all the research and time I put into a story before it ever gets posted, it is too bad I cannot sell the things!
Author Reply: (dreaming of the day an email arrives from an editor who publishes real-live books, saying they have a series in mind, and am I interested in taking it and running with it... hah. That'll be the day. But one can dream, can't one?)
Pearl Took
· 30 May 2005
· Chapter 23: Once Burned
You are keeping your parallels going beautifully. This really is just the most awesome story!! I love it so. MEWD!!!!!
Author's reply
O thank you! Parallel stories are more challenging to write and for some reason help me avoid writer's block, much the same as keeping two or three stories going at a time used to. I only hope it doesn't annoy readers too much to be switching back and forth, especially as I have started on a new double story--that makes three! (Thain, Healer, and a winter story that will start posting when I get written a few chapters ahead)
KWYM about the encouragement to be found in reviews. I skimmed your falcon story yesterday, but was in too much haste to read carefully, so I hope to get back to it tomorrow, to savour slowly and take time to comment. But first impression--it is well-crafted and up to your usual high standard.
Anso the Hobbit
· 30 May 2005
· Chapter 23: Once Burned
Oh, poor Mardi! I hope both he and little Violet will be all right, but it`s a sad thing he got hurt when there`s so much to do for the healers as it is. Woodruff might need another assistant now as long as he is out.
Author's reply
I think Woodruff needs another assistant anyhow. She and Mardi were run off their feet before the accident, and as my dad always used to say, "Life is too short..."
Now to see if she can find a suitable assistant, living amongst Tooks as she does...
Bodkin
· 30 May 2005
· Chapter 23: Once Burned
Poor Mardi - he's in bad shock here. And the farm hobbits are doing the best they can, but they would have been far better carrying on with the cold water treatment. Butter! On burns! I've no idea who invented that traditional treatment, but over the centuries, did no-one notice that it didn't work? (I have a friend who swears by honey as a cure-all for pretty well everything.)
Rosemary's pony has a good supporting role here - hobbits with good ponies must get better treatment, not just because they have money, but because they can get the healer there quickly.
And Beryl is shattered, is she? And taken home to her mother? H'mm. I can see Tru tucking Mardi up for the care he needs and Beryl happily providing it.
Glad to see Mardi is just about there enough to remark that Woodruff's treatment is not usual. No, Mardi - it's better.
But those burns sound mega-nasty. He is going to hurt, poor hobbit.
Author's reply
Burned myself recently with steam and was amazed at how much and how long it hurt. Days! (I'm glad hobbits seem to heal faster than Big Folk.)
LOL, I think everyone in Tru's family except for Ted is aware of the truth about Mardi's preference.
I guess butter feels good on a burn, at first, because it's cool. Perhaps that was how it all started. I wonder how someone discovered the honey-cure?
pipinheart
· 29 May 2005
· Chapter 23: Once Burned
Very nice...Had me very worried about Mardi..Very well written and th e tention was great,didn't want it to end. Is it true about honey to help a burn,I am curious?
Keep up the great job...good work....
Author's reply
I have not treated burns with honey (tempted to, next time one happens) but have done a lot of research. It is amazing what you'll find on the internet, for example, if you do a web search on "burn treatment" and "honey".
Thanks!
Larner
· 29 May 2005
· Chapter 23: Once Burned
Ah, beautiful work Woodruff has done, and I love her determination.
Have the computer fixed temporarily, but need a new hard drive, apparently. Hate computer problems.
Author's reply
Hate computer problems too. The first hard drive we lost, I lost three years' worth of stuff. Seems our backup device wasn't working right, and we never realised, until it was too late.
Glad to see you posted a new chapter. Now if I can just find the time to read!
Thanks!
Anso the Hobbit
· 28 May 2005
· Chapter 22: Interlude
I love Regi`s no-nonsense talk to Merry, lol. They are getting a breather but Merry is right in asking. They should all rest now and I hope they do. Can`t wait for more!
Author's reply
Yes, it always brings one up short to be reminded how very long someone has known one. (Changing nappies, quite the conversation-stopper.)
Just posted another "Woodruff" (and Mardi) chapter, and hopefully you'll see the next Interlude on Wednesday.
Thanks!
Anso the Hobbit
· 28 May 2005
· Chapter 21: Too Many Cooks
Oh no! Poor Mardi an little Violet! You`ve really given a great view of how stressful a healer`s work can be with this story.
Author's reply
Thanks! Our next-door neighbour, when I was little, was a doctor in the days when doctors still made house calls. There was one very busy, very dedicated man, and his wife was a loving, sweet lady, too.
Anso the Hobbit
· 28 May 2005
· Chapter 20: Interlude
Poor Merry! You draw a beautiful picture of what looks to be their last moment togheter but still isn`t. Poor Woodruff too. She`s having a rough time of it too. I just adore how you picture the little ones - Ruby and Merry. They`re so cute. :)
Author's reply
Aw, thank you. (I think they are cute, too... *sigh* little hobbit tots...)
And I'm so glad it is not M & P's last moment together. (Glad I'm not tempted at all to write AU pieces.)
Anso the Hobbit
· 28 May 2005
· Chapter 19: Tea and Trouble
Oh, poor Ted! I bet he got something to think about now, lol. Poor Woodruff too. It`s a sad thing the pot broke and it`s a sad think Pippin broke it again. He always wants to do his best though and now he`s got a concussion on top of not being able to fix the pot. This is just excellent! Off to next chapter... Have got my permanent line now. :)
Author's reply
Yes, Ted is definitely thinking about something. His character is about to be exposed for what it is, in the next few chapters. (Not to worry; I have only the highest opinion of Ted.)
Congratulations on your permanent line!
TopazTook
· 27 May 2005
· Chapter 22: Interlude
A nice respite of a chapter -- truly a "breather," as Woodruff says, I suspect (having already read "Rope.") Was also glad to get a bit of background detail on the enigmatic Sandy.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, Sandy... the perfect hobbit. Wonder what mysteries are in his past?
Thanks!
Andrea
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 22: Interlude
A very nice chapter!
I loved how the two Tooks and Sam took care of Merry.
But what did Woodruff say, only a breather?
Oh my, do I have to worry again? But Pippin will fight, I'm sure!
Author's reply
Well, as a healer, she'd be taking a cautious view. But yes, you have detected a bit of foreshadowing as well, though the next Interlude or two (or three, even, depending on how they break out of the draft) ought to continue relatively calm.
Thanks!
Pearl Took
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 22: Interlude
Such a "painterly" chapter - wonderful portraits and scenes you have painted. Woodruff has great love for all her Took charges, but I think the most for that rascal who is fighting still for his life. This is still such a magical story. Beautiful.
Author's reply
Ah, thank you. I do tend to write what I see in my mind's eye.
I think you are right. She's nearly old enough to be Pippin's mother, she helped bring him into the world, and she's helped keep him there through a number of occasions! Not to mention that she truly likes and admires him.
Thanks again!
Dreamflower
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 22: Interlude
I have to say that what I *really* love here is the glimpse of Regi, Ferdi and Sam taking care of Merry. For Regi and Ferdi it is simply a matter of taking care of the hobbit that Pippin loves best (not necessaarily *most*--it's not the same thing at all) but for Sam, I love how he moves in to rinse Merry's hair and all, it is part and parcel of his own love for these two comrades and the beloved cousins of his dear Frodo. It goes so much to show how their love and friendship has deepened over the years.
Of course, I do know we're in for just a bit more angst before the Ent-draught has finished its work. Is Woodruff going to find herself just a tad taller, her hair a bit curlier, for that little taste she took?
I'm looking forward to finding out how wee!Pip made it up to her for breaking the teapot, though, and poor Mardi and his burns...
Author's reply
It's good to hear what you really like.
Hmmm. Perhaps she won't have to stand on tiptoe to kiss her beloved's cheek. We'll see.
Poor Mardi and his burns will be the subject of the next couple of chapters, as Pippin has a bit of a concussion to recover from before he can implement his teapot-restitution plan. (Or do I mean reconstruction?)
Thanks!
Connie B.
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 22: Interlude
This really was a nice chapter, truly an interlude.
I especially liked the scene with Merry in the bath. I don't know why, but that just seemed like that was the way something like that would really happen. You have certainly made this universe real.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
High praise indeed! The kinds of stories I enjoy reading are the ones that feel the most real, as if the reader could step into the scene somehow.
A friend has accused me of "taking tea" with my characters. I suspect she's right.
Bodkin
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 22: Interlude
It's that moment when everything stops and everyone holds their breath and wills the dice to roll that way.
Not to mention setting us up for the next bit!!!!
Evil author.
But it's an excellent portrayal of how it's not just Pippin that's close to the end of his endurance. They're all there - Merry, Regi, Ferdi - even Woodruff is perhaps not being purely professional here.
(I'm so glad that I know the outcome!)
Author's reply
Evil Muse.
And the next bit keeps stretching just that bit further... because, after all, there are several conversations in the draft before the "next bit" starts.
Yup, they're all stretched pretty thin. Even Samwise is weary. He just rode across half of Middle-earth, after all, and just when he thought he could take a rest, he had to jump onto a pony and gallop fifty miles more...
Thanks!
Larner
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 22: Interlude
I love Woodruff's honesty, and the wonder over the events of the day, and Merry's bath. So glad Sam is there with him at the moment. They have come to depend on one another, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, and with good reason.
Author's reply
It is nice to hear what "works". I do think the Travellers would remain close, even after duty and distance separates them geographically.
Pearl Took
· 23 May 2005
· Chapter 21: Too Many Cooks
Oh my!!! So exciting. Poor Mardi. I hate to say, but please hurry with more :) :) VWD
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl. It's always nice to hear that more is wanted!
Dreamflower
· 23 May 2005
· Chapter 21: Too Many Cooks
Somehow missed the notification on this chapter! (I think it must have gone to my husband's computer instead. Happens sometimes!)
I loved the sheer hobbitiness of this whole chapter: the part about food and hospitality, the fact that it all took place in the kitchen, the wee!hobbits. Poor teething baby, and sweet little Violet.
Of course there was far too much chaos in the kitchen with little ones in there, and I was sure *something* was going to happen, but I certainly did *not* expect what did! Poor, poor Mardi! This is going to be very interesting. What a nice bit of h/c this will make!
Author's reply
Well, you ought to have received a second notification on this chapter, because I forgot to change the story summary before I published the next Interval. So don't be fooled... Mardi's story continues, hopefully, on Monday.
Yup, lots of h/c ahead, some of it hopefully surprising, too!