The Road to Edoras by Dreamflower
Larner · 1 July 2005 · Chapter 19: Chapter 19
Hooray--Fredegar Bolger, once again a hero for reacting immediately when the need was there. And love the idea of swimming lessons looming.
Author's reply
I think Freddy even surprised himself. But that is usually the circumstances of heroic acts: something done quickly in an emergency. This scared the bejeebers out of Berilac. He is not going to take any chances of someone else maybe drowning if he can do anything about it.
Baggins Babe · 1 July 2005 · Chapter 19: Chapter 19
What a nice surprise when I arrived home from work, to find you had updated. I am so relieved that Freddy has been fished out of the water - now I'm just gnawing my fingernails hoping that Bergil will be alright. :-) I really love this story and the differences between the characters. Great story.
Author's reply
Glad to give you a nice surprise! Bergil will be all right sooner or later. I would never do anything permanently drastic to *any* *major* canon character (And I count Bergil as one of those). Glad you are enjoying it!
Kitty · 1 July 2005 · Chapter 19: Chapter 19
Poor little Bergil, I hope he isn't too badly hurt and will not get the lung-fever! He doesn't deserve it. Freddy, on the other hand, was truly brave. To go in the water to save Bergil, although he can't swim! That's the Freddy who'd lead a rebellion, no doubt. And Beri is perfectly right, they all need to learn how to swim. But I doubt I would have had the courage to suggest this to Freddy, knowing his fear of water! He has taken it astonishing calmly. I look forward to see if he truly learns to swim. If he does, Merry and the others will not recognise him at all after his return. This year away from home will change him quite a bit, not only decrease his grief, but make him much stronger, I think. Happy birthday to you! (I saw it at your LJ)
Author's reply
We will just have to see how Bergil does. However sick he may or may not get, he's got lots of friends to take care of him. Freddy *is* brave, and has been all along, he just needed the right impetus to overcome his fear. This shook Berilac. He's second in charge, and if Freddy had drowned he'd have *been* in charge. He's not going to let the opportunity pass to make a point. Freddy is definitely going to know his strength when he returns. And thanks for the birthday wishes!
Larner · 30 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18
For one with a phobia against running water, this must be terrifying, and will be freeing if he comes through it relatively unscathed. Well written, and love Cado's grumbling thoughts. Poor, self-centered git.
Author's reply
Yes, it is very terrifying, but there will be a lot of consequences to this particular mishap... "Poor self-centered git" *grin* I love it; I don't think I've heard a better description of Cado yet.
Bodkin · 30 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Oh no! Brave Freddy risking the water to save Bergil and getting swept away! It'll either convince him that water is survivable or reinforce every fear he's ever had. Or drown him, I suppose, but that would be cheating - Freddy is not for the chop! I am going to have to make a note as to which vile Banks brother is which! It's all right when I can group them together, but I have to keep checking when they do things on their own! Being exiled is a pretty nasty thing, isn't it, when you think that they are out in a world where there are scarcely any of their own kind (- and none of them are female). Non-procreating Bankses seems preferable in many ways, but it could be very embittering to be so isolated - and it could make the nasties hang together just to have someone of their own around. Especially the younger Banks who seems slightly less nasty than the others. (Send him off to Eowyn in Ithilien to be trained. We spent a good deal of that summer sparring with one another and beating each other black and blue. It was good fun, and she was as dear a companion and friend as any boy. He could do with a friend. He could learn a lot.) Glad to see Berilac and Viola are improving their acquaintance though.
Author's reply
No, never fear that I would off Freddy! He is *not* a minor character in LotR, and I would never do that. I had a hard enough time killing off Folco, who *was* a minor character. Sandyman, on the other hand was a Bad Guy, and I didn't have a second's qualm about doing *him* in. I am still at this point undecided as to Cado's fate. I have three different scenarios involving him, and have yet to make my choice. Non-procreating Bankses seems preferable in many ways, LOL! What a way to put it! But yes, they are feeling isolated. Glad you liked Eothain's description of his relationship with Eowyn. Knowing you have read "Chance Encounter", you will get the reference! Berilac and Viola have a lot of acquaintance-imporving on their agenda...
Kitty · 30 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18
I have known it, your innocent look is deceiving! Too much talk about rain and rivers and all! Something like this had to come! How nasty of you to throw poor Freddy and Bergil in the river! That is an evil cliffhanger, if I ever saw one! How can I now enjoy the romance between Beri and Viola and think about Cado after what you have done? Please update soon, I'm dying from suspense! And you surely don't want to lose a reviewer ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, I'm afraid I may have been a bit heavy-handed with the foreshadowing, LOL! There is a very good reason for those two to end up in the stream, as you'll soon find out. Please don't die on me yet!
harrowcat · 30 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Oh no, Dreamflower - not fair, you can't leave it there! Please, please update soon.
Author's reply
As soon as I can, dear! I don't like leaving it that way either...
Kitty · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17
The object of "Mister" again *grins* I wonder if Jolly is as bad and stubborn as Sam or if he will eventually be convinced to use the name only. Nice to know the story behind the song - I had sometimes wondered what had happened during this raid. These little stories are truly an entertaining way to pass the time of the journey. And it is good to see how much better Freddy feels since he isn't so desperate any more. You know, you're looking much too innocent to believe it :-D
Author's reply
Oh, possibly. We'll have to see. Now you know what truly happened on the raid. And yes, moving beyond desperation has been liberating for Freddy. Me? Innocent-looking? *la la la la la*...
Bodkin · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17
'No hobbit’s ever killed another a-purpose since the Shire began, but I think if he ever had got his hands on either Sandyman or the Pimple, that would have changed. And I don’t think it would have been good for him.' So true. Now Freddy has let go of that rage, he will heal much better - and he is surrounded by a group of people who will help. Nice bit of back-story there. And the black-blooded 'man'! Now they just have to persecute the automatic mistering out of Jolly.
Author's reply
Yes, Freddy has learned that lesson, and it's been difficult. But it's one he was *ready* to learn by that point in time. And now his healing can go on at a faster pace, unimpeded by hatred. I have always been somewhat fascinated by the "black blood". Obviously turning the blood black was an essential part of whatever process it was that Morgoth did in order to "create" his orcs, trolls, etc. out of what they originally were. And if Saruman had seen to the interbreeding of Men and Orcs, I would be sure that the "black blood" would show up in there somewhere. As we have seen with Sam and Rosie, that's not an easy thing to do. A lifetime of saying something is not overcome overnight.
Grey Wonderer · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Good to hear Freedy's exploits and to see him getting credit for his actions against the ruffians. I just love all of the stories-within-the story that you are including. It is fun to hear others tell about things and it is very hobbity that this trip is filled with tales! Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
I was sure that with Jolly in the group, the subject of "Captain Freddy" was bound to come up. I decided a while back that they would be telling lots of stories on the trip, as it would be needed to pass the time--and incidentally fill out the chapters that would otherwise consist of: "They got up and rode all day, and then stopped." LOL! Otherwise this would be a *very* short story.
Grey Wonderer · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Somehow I fell a chapter behind which gives me a chance to read two in a row. My lucky night! I loved how Legolas took charge in this chapter. He really must see them all as children and he is very protective of his 'children'. Freddy was very brave in spite of it all and Legolas did a wonderful job of helping him through it without drawing unnecessary attention to his fears.
Author's reply
Yes, really to an Elf, all mortals must seem as children to them. But he is definitely protective of his hobbits. I'm growing quite fond of Legolas, actually.
Larner · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Chapter 17
Very beautifully written description of the "actions" and Freddy's determination. No wonder he came to be so beloved in the Shire after that.
Author's reply
Since Jolly was in Freddy's band, and since Mosco knew the circumstances of Folco's murder, it would only be natural for the two of them to discuss his actions during the Troubles. I think that in the long run, he was probably lauded as much for heroism as Merry and Pippin.
Larner · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
I love how Legolas is finding it comfortable traveling with Hobbits once more, and speaks of them naturally as friends; and at how he assists Freddy in the crossing of the bridge. For one with a phobia toward water, that must have been terrible.
Author's reply
I think that Legolas enjoyed travelling with the hobbits during the Quest, and grew to love them very much. I am sure it would not take much for him to feel the same about these hobbits as well, especially since they are kin and friends to "his" hobbits. Freddy's phobia is very much towards the *crossing* of running water, and he has determined he is going to come to grips with it...
Larner · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Poor Eomer, having to deal with Shire matters in spite of himself! Love the descriptions.
Author's reply
Yes, I'm sure he'd rather not. But being King's not always fun, is it? Thank you very much.
Larner · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Nice letters.
Author's reply
Glad you liked them. It's a chance for each one to show their personality.
Larner · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13
A wonder, to be in an inn designed for Men. They must feel like children again.
Author's reply
It's turn about now. The Men in the Shire had to accomodate themselves to everything being too small; now the hobbits are having to accomodate themselves to everything too large. It very well could make them feel childish.
Kitty · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
In Tharbad they aren't used to Hobbits, that is obvious. It must have been quite a shock to Viola and Berilac. What a luck Legolas was there to help them! Freddy was quite brave. But you know, all the talking about rain and rivers and all ... *looks suspiciously* ... what have you planned?
Author's reply
Yes, I think Viola and Berilac were quite taken aback. Legolas has excellent timing. Freddy is quite brave, isn't he? *la la la la la*looks up innocently*planned? me?*la la la la la....
Kitty · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Cado seems to have some nice traits after all, when I see how he acts around his father. Clovis, on the other hand, is a nasty piece. And Dago wants to escape? Hmmm ... we will see. But not I start to wonder what poor Eomer will do with them - I certainly don't know what I would do!
Author's reply
Well, at least Eomer has a bit of time and warning to think it over. Cado is a bit more hobbity than his brother--family's family. Clovis definitely is a nasty piece. Dago does want to escape, but he's still wary of the unfamiliar situation.
GamgeeFest · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
LOL, the hobbits need to get shirts that say "I'm not a child, I'm a hobbit. Ask me how." :D Good thing Legolas came around when he did. I suspect, though, once they get to Gondor, where people are a little more familiar with hobbits, it might not be as much of a problem.
Author's reply
I'll have to check Cafe Press and see if they have such T-shirts, LOL! No, the actual mistaking of them for children will probably not be much of a problem, especially in the White City, though it may occur briefly from time to time when someone doesn't look closely enough; the Gondorians will be well aware of the presence of pheriannath among them. But what they will still have to be wary of with folk who only know them by their appearance is the tendency to *treat* them as children, even thought they know they are not. Definitely good timing on Legolas' part!
Marigold · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Oh, I loved the description of Freddy crossing the river! What a scary bridge! I also like Legolas, and his rescue and conversation with Beri and Viola : ) Almost time!!
Author's reply
Since Tharbad is a recent settlement, I envision the bridge as a somewhat primitive structure, only a few steps up from being a ford. Legolas does like to take care of his hobbits. Just one or two more chapters. *grin* Have I put in enough foreshadowing?
Bodkin · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
Hobbits might look like children at first glance, but the woman was very unobservant not to notice the difference when she actually looked at them. 'I heard you laughing and plotting!' Talk about making assumptions! But people are like that, aren't they? Kids must be plotting evil things - and any group of young people out on their own must be looking for trouble. Introduce ASBOs*! And curfews! I loved Legolas Thranduilion, Prince of Mirkwood, coming to their rescue in his full elven glory. Nicely intimidating by suggestion only. Freddy was very brave crossing the river. Very brave. And might have to be braver yet! *ASBOs = anti-social behaviour orders.
Author's reply
*giggle* Yes, she was fairly unobservant, jumping to just the conclusion she wanted to--I saw her as a certain type of nosy busybody. She saw two strange "children" in "her" small town, and decided to assert an authority she probably does not have in order to assuage her curiousity and perhaps have a chance to ream out the supposed parents, thus puffing herself up more. I envision her as a sore trial to her poor son the blacksmith, LOL! You will notice I did not give her a name--she's one of those aggressive OCs that would have taken over the chapter if I let her! Legolas does not usually assert his Elven glory, but when he does he is formidable, and needs nothing more than suggestion to get his point across. And someone interfering with *his* hobbits is going to get the full force of his "suggestion". Freddy was very brave indeed, and yes, his bravery will have further trial to come...
Baggins Babe · 24 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Chapter 16
This had me giggling! Loved the idea that Beri and Viola would be mistaken for children, and I'm not surprised that Legolas' majestic appearance had the desired effect. Leggy turning up the power a bit must be very impressive. :-)) Oh how brave of Freddy - he is really discovering things about himself, isn't he? Hopefully he will be more confident now - and I hope he doesn't have a disaster as a result. He's been through more than enough already. Great chapter, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
I knew sooner or later on this journey that one or more of the hobbits were going to be mistaken for a child. It was not until I finished the last chapter, though, that I realized this was the perfect place for it to occur. Legolas does know how to shift into Impressive Elven Prince when he needs to, he just doesn't care to do it very often. Freddy is determined to not let his fear keep him from what he has to do. As to disaster--this is only chapter 16, you know...
Bodkin · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15
Those tricksy hobbitses - they don't miss much, but hopefully, among them, the men and good hobbits can outthink Bankses and Bracegirdles. Cado is so much nicer than his brother - able to have some feelings for Clodio, even if his father doesn't deserve much sympathy. (I wouldn't mind a bit of redemption for that one! And as long as he is kept at the side of someone with a smidgeon of intelligence, he would be all right.) The really rotten pair are Clovis and Dago - they deserve their fate more than the other two, who are largely just stupid and keeping bad company. And guilty of thinking they are cleverer than they are, so they use sharp practice and think they are being smart business hobbits. Even if extra tattoos are used, hobbits that look like abstract art are still going to stand out in the world - so I hope they outsmart themselves. My spidey senses are saying 'oh no' with all the mentions of Freddy / water / snow melt / flooding. It seems that here is a disaster waiting to happen. I like seeing the men learn more about the differences between men and hobbits (and that hobbits are often nicer) - and seeing the romance between Viola and Berilac develop - responsibly, of course, and with the consent of her guardian in this oversized world of men. It's a shame Faramir isn't able to hang around to help Eomer out with the 'judgment' - his skills could be useful here - and then he and Eowyn could accompany the party to Gondor. But still, it will be fascinating to see how Eomer deals with the problem. I hope the hobbits get to see Ents. They should find that very interesting indeed.
Author's reply
Well, Cado seems to have a bit more hobbit nature, even if it's been warped--truth is, I have not yet decided about him; I have about three scenarios in mind, and I will have to see which one pans out. All the air's been let out of Clodio, and there's not much left there of him. Clovis, of course, is just plain nasty. He is cut from much the same cloth as Lotho--and Dago is exactly as you have described him--he thinks he's cleverer than he really is. But he sort of learned that lesson once, when he got caught, and is attempting to be a bit more cautious now. As to their fates, a lot of it is going to depend upon a couple of Kings, who we know are Good Guys and have a soft spot for hobbits--and me (and I do not have a soft spot for those *particular* hobbits, mind you). Well, the main thing is to disguise the word "traitor" on the back of their hand. It's not like it's a large or particularly fancy bit they have to cover up. The Men are constantly learning about the hobbits with whom they travel, and vice-versa. And I'm having a good time with the little romance, myself. As to Faramir, I thought it only reasonable that he might be paying his brother-in-law a visit, but he's a busy man, being both a Steward and a Prince and it would not be terribly realistic for him to keep hanging around. But I am sure that the information in the letters from Eothain and Merry would give him enough to go on to be able to give Eomer some advice before he leaves. Author Reply: Oh--always trust your spidey sense...
Grey Wonderer · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Somehow, I missed this chapter and read them out of order but I do love the letters to those at home. Enjoyed Berilac's very much and Jolly's too. I have to start reading in proper order. I didn't know I was behind until I read someone else's review and that was when I realized that I had missed a chapter. Reviews really are helpful that way.
Author's reply
Well, I don't suppose that it was too urgent to get these two chapters in order as they are happening more or less simultaneously, LOL! But hopefully the next ones you will be able to catch up with. I had a good time with all the letters; and I thought it was a chance to let Beri and Jolly shine. Glad you liked them!
Grey Wonderer · 23 June 2005 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15
The romance is blossoming and more interest from the prisoners in the art of tatoos. This gets better with each chapter. I wonder what will happen next? Loved the jest between Legolas and Gimli and the mention of the Ents.
Author's reply
Yes, the plot begins to thicken. Legolas and Gimli are quite enjoying themselves among all these hobbits. And we will have to see what happens with Ents...