The Road to Edoras by Dreamflower
harrowcat · 12 July 2009 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
I always like reading Author's notes appreciate the insight they give into the writing process. You are whetting my appitite for the sequels even more. And thank you for your last reply to my review. i was very touched.
Author's reply
I hope the sequels will live up to their hype! And really, I owe a lot to my readers and reviewers!
Larner · 12 July 2009 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Nice to see how you got through your problems, Dreamflower. It's been difficult, I know, to deal with all the distractions and disruptions--certainly I know how THAT works! I don't know if I would agree to get into a situation where I had to write or die, as it were. I sometimes have to force myself into that mood already. Anyway, thanks for finally getting it posted! And may the others flow more smoothly!
Author's reply
We all get into those situations, I think. Writing is a delicate balance, and it calls for serious *think* time. When that time is filled with other things and other worries it is often hard to bring the mind to heel. *giggle* "Write or Die" is a little melodramatic, I suppose, but it's what the website's called. The first time I tried it, was just for laughs. I was surprised at how fun it was to work against the clock. I could not write an entire story or chapter that way, but it was useful to "prime the pump". And I certainly did not use the "kamikaze" mode! I used the "gentle and forgiving" mode. ; )
Baggins Babe · 11 July 2009 · Chapter 55: Chapter 55
At least Cado is learning, even if Clovis is just angry. I hope Clodio manages the journey to Minas Tirith. The banter between Legolas and Gimli was wonderful - those two are just such good friends - and Legolas took the smoke-filled clothes relatively well too! Now I'm rubbing my hands at the prospect of them arriving in Gondor. Now if I could just bring my own lazy Muse back from her holidays.........!
Author's reply
Cado was always the more intelligent brother, as well as more sensitive. But he'd allowed his brother to silence his conscience for many years. Now it is awake again. For Clovis, who's basically killed his own conscience, anger is much more acceptable than sorrow. Legolas wasn't happy about the smoke-smell, but he values his friends over clothing! It will be a while before "In the Court of the High King" and "Cado's Year" are ready to begin posting. But rest assured I'm working on them both!
Baggins Babe · 11 July 2009 · Chapter 54: Chapter 54
How sweet to see that Beri and Viola are finally courting - and clever Beri to find something suitable in Edoras. Those Brandybucks are very resourceful. I also love Mistress Poppy here - sensible, kind, motherly. Freddy's letter was perfect and shows just how much he has healed. If only Frodo could have known such healing. Naught Beri - I was wondering when he would get his revenge. I shall be sorry to see this story end, Dreamflower.
Author's reply
Yep. They are now an official "courting couple"! Brandybucks are very resourceful-- Beri knew that there had to be something he could use in Edoras! Mistress Poppy basically is Viola's surrogate mother; she's really going to look out for her. Frodo's healing was so much due to the way the Ring had scoured his soul. No matter what his *head* told him, that he should not feel to blame for things, his heart could not see it that way. Yes, his revenge was rather subtle and hobbity, I think.
Larner · 10 July 2009 · Chapter 55: Chapter 55
A gentle ending to the story, and a rather sad one for the three Hobbit prisoners. I hope Clodio and Dago will find both justice and mercy. And it is hard to think of Bergil and Beregond going east rather than the rest of the say with the others. A beautiful story! Am so looking forward to the next one!
Author's reply
I think that you know as well as I do that both justice and mercy will be found at the hand of the High King! The hobbits are really going to miss Bergil. But he does need to get home with his father now. I'm working hard on them already, but it will be awhile until they are ready to begin posting. Thank you so much for all your faithful reviews!
harrowcat · 10 July 2009 · Chapter 55: Chapter 55
Dreamflower I have enjoyed every word of this several times over. Can't wait for the sequels! And the Author notes! *grin*.
Author's reply
Well, the Author Notes are up! And I am already working on the sequels. I want to thank you so much for all of your faithful reviews! They meant a lot to me, and helped keep me going in spite of all the delays.
nancylea57 · 10 July 2009 · Chapter 55: Chapter 55
as well written as always, now how are you going to get freddy back to shire and married?
Author's reply
I have to show their time in Minas Tirith first! *grin* Trust me, though, Angelica is waiting (im)patiently for Fredegar's return!
Mysterious Jedi · 10 July 2009 · Chapter 55: Chapter 55
This has been a long and wonderful journey. I look forward to seeing how their trip to Minas Tirith goes!
Author's reply
Thank you very much! It will be a while before the sequels begin posting, but I am working on them both!
Kitty · 10 July 2009 · Chapter 55: Chapter 55
Legolas was good in puzzling out who was behind this little prank *grin* Love the farewell between Gimli and Legolas. They’re quite a pair, always bantering and still nearly inseparable. Well, I guess the Hobbits will not be the only ones to miss Bergil, Legolas and Gimli. I seem to remember you were talking about a sequel (for which I hope anyway), and if so, I’ll miss having them all together, too. It was fun to watch their interaction. Perhaps his father would see him and take heart. Coming from Cado, that gives reason to hope for him once again. I think he’ll do. I’ve enjoyed this story so much – thank you!
Author's reply
Yes, well, it didn't take a whole lot of puzzling. *grin* I wanted their farewell to be lighthearted, and yet to show the depth of their friendship as well. It's going to be an adjustment as they continue on, and they will miss their friends. But I've kept all those canon folk away from their proper duties all too long! I must confess, I've really enjoyed writing Legolas and Gimli among all those hobbits. I think they are going to miss their hobbit friends as well! There is certainly hope for Cado. And THANK YOU for all of your wonderful reviews, and for sticking with the story even though I ended up waiting so long between updates!
Theresa Greenfalcon · 10 July 2009 · Chapter 55: Chapter 55
Hi, Dream, this is Tracey from LJ - I *loved* the end of Beri's practical joke - I liked also that Legolas was such a good sport about it... pity that our Greenleaf isn't courting himself, or, well - turnabout is fair play... Looking forward to Cado's story and to the story of the group's trip to Minas Anor. T
Author's reply
From the first moment the idea of Beri "getting back" at Legolas reared its head, I knew *exactly* what he was going to do (though not sure then just how he'd accomplish that)! I am going to take my time before I begin to post the new stories-- I don't want to fall into the same trouble I had with this one!
Lindelea · 9 July 2009 · Chapter 54: Chapter 54
Quite clever of the King, indeed! Lots of cleverness abounding in this chapter, including Beri's. Love Freddy's letter to Frodo, and the path of healing it traces. (So sad that Frodo could not follow the same path...) Thanks!
Author's reply
Very clever, with Merry's letter at hand to give him confidence in the strategy! Sadly, Frodo's scarring was too deep; the Ring had seen to that. But at least he can still take comfort in the healing of others-- and Freddy was also his beloved cousin. He will be able to find some joy in knowing that Freddy is finding himself again.
Lindelea · 9 July 2009 · Chapter 53: Chapter 53
For some reason "Goin' Courtin'" from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is running in my head... I love Beri's ingenuity in finding yellow hair ribbons so far from home... Bergil and Beregond! Ah, such a nice nightcap...
Author's reply
I love that movie! Beri just knew there had to be *something* in Edoras he could use! And he was quite lucky to be right. (Was there ever any doubt?) One of the best things to come out of the delay in writing these last few chapters was that I came up with some ideas that had not occured to me sooner, such as bringing both Beregond and Gloin to Edoras! It's been a delight to unite Bergil with his father after all this time!
Kitty · 8 July 2009 · Chapter 54: Chapter 54
Hm ... Clovis wants to stay angry? He might feel better then, but I doubt it will help him in any way in the end. Poppy was great here, giving Viola such good advice. And I just realised that at this rate, Lavender will soon be not the only one married healer in the Shire. The Great Smials and Brandy Hall will have their own in only a few years, too. Like Freddy’s letter to Frodo. Our stubborn hero may not want any thank, but I think he will be happy to know how much things have changed for Freddy and that he could let go of his hatred. Éomer seems to have wrapped Lothíriel around his finger already. Very glad to see that Merry’s advice worked and they get along so well. No matter how common that may have been in earlier times, I never liked the idea of their marriage being one of these politically dictated matches with no love in it. I’m beginning to wonder if the Hobbit embassy will be able to witness their wedding? *grin* So Beri is finally getting his revenge on poor Legolas? Had been wondering if he has forgotten all aobut it!
Author's reply
Anger is an easier emotion for him to manage. It gives a surge of adrenaline, and also gives him the excuse to fume and blame others. Sorrow is harder-- it makes him think, and the last thing Clovis wants to do is think. No, anger won't help him, it will just keep him from facing the truth as his brother has done! Yes, well, some things do change! I think hearing from Freddy will bring Frodo a good deal of comfort. Merry's strategy with Estella worked pretty well for him-- it seemed to me it would also work well for Eomer! I think that Imrahil may have been resigned to a political match for his daughter before, when Denethor was Steward. But knowing that the new King married for love, he felt that he was free to offer his only daughter that courtesy. Beri had not forgotten one little bit. But he's a Brandybuck-- he knows how to bide his time, and get it right!
Larner · 8 July 2009 · Chapter 54: Chapter 54
Ah, my dear Beri--he HAS indeed managed to pull the perfect prank on Legolas! Hahahahahahaha! And a recipe confirms the courting! Love it, of course! As for Freddy's letter--I'm glad it goes back to Frodo, even as I know it cannot offer the recipient as much healing as he needs or deserves. Lovely chapter!
Author's reply
*giggle* I have known exactly what his prank would be for a very long time-- but setting up the logistics of it took a little thought. Imagine Legolas having to travel to Ithilien smelling of pipe-weed! LOL! No, it will not offer him healing, but I am sure it will at least offer Frodo some comfort to realize that at least his other beloved cousin has begun to find his own healing.
Grey Wonderer · 8 July 2009 · Chapter 53: Chapter 53
Yes! I am so very glad to find more of this wonderful story. I knew you'd get back to it in time and I am glad the time was now. I am so happy for Berilac and Viola! I've hoped they were going to wind up together before this story ended. Lovely chapter!
Author's reply
Oh, I knew it was going to be finished if it killed me-- I hate it when people don't finish their stories! But the last sections of the story just got completely out of my control for a while. I'm very glad I finally got to get it going again! Well, it was kind of obvious where Beri and Viola were headed! *grin*
Mysterious Jedi · 7 July 2009 · Chapter 53: Chapter 53
It's about time Beri and Viola make it "official." Also, I'm interested to see how Eomer wins Lothiriel's heart. I kind of feel bad for the prisoner hobbits, but I think Cado, at least, will not have such an awful life. I was glad to see this was updated at last!
Author's reply
Yes, it's been "unofficial" until now. But Beri's declared his intentions in a thoroughly Brandybuck fashion! You have not heard the last of Cado. I have sequels. *grin* But they are not ready yet for posting. I was glad to *get* it updated. This story is the most difficult one I've written-- it has been very stubborn, but I have finally wrestled it into submission!
SurgicalSteel · 7 July 2009 · Chapter 53: Chapter 53
Oh, hooray, they're officially courting! This was a wonderful chapter, I enjoyed it!
Author's reply
Yes, it's official now! *grin*
PIppinfan1988 · 6 July 2009 · Chapter 53: Chapter 53
*sigh* Wow. I really loved that last scene with Viola and Beri -- well done. :-) Everything has come together so brilliantly! I'll be waiting for more, sad as it will seem with the story coming to an end. *sniff, sniff* I've really enjoyed it all.
Author's reply
*grin* I'm so glad. I worried that after all the build-up, people would be disappointed. Yes, this story is nearly at an end, but the sequels are in the works, though it will be quite some time before they are ready for posting!
Larner · 6 July 2009 · Chapter 53: Chapter 53
Ah--what a wonderful promise tradition! Oh, I like! And so glad this at last is being finished! Am ALMOST done with the next chapter of Last Star, but that's as may be, of course. Now, the final chapters of this one approach!
Author's reply
Yes, I had decided quite some time ago that a lad offering a lass yellow ribbons was a courtship tradition that had once been widespread among hobbits, but now lived on only in Buckland. (I do hope to see more soon of Lynesse's story!)
Kitty · 6 July 2009 · Chapter 53: Chapter 53
YAY! You finally updated! *happy dance* Éomer is making progress with Lothíriel, I see :) *LOL* That was the perfect explanation for the rather silly Elven songs in the Hobbit that are so absolutely different from Tolkien's other work! Of course they had to be embarassed by that sort of song later when they learned Bilbo had written it down in his book and retold it so often! Now I'm wondering which explanation you might find for the serving animals - they were even less believable ;) Good to see that the Hobbits all get to talk to the big folk. And of course, Mosco's little explanation how he's related to the Travellers left me giggling. Love that! And sneaky Meneldor, too. What a way to repay Amrothos for his well-meant and well-justified warning! *grin* That public gathering is certainly the last place where Bergil should tell his father just how he was made a honorary cousin. But Beregond drew the right conclusions anyway. Maybe he will get the details out of his son later, who knows? And it is good to know he appreciates it that this visit to the Shire gave Bergil something of his childhood back. And Beri and Viola are now officially courting, yay! About time, I'd say - it was too obvious that they were in love.
Author's reply
Yes!! FINALLLY! I am so excited to be finally finishing this. I have never had such a recalcitrant story before! He certainly is, thanks to Merry's excellent advice. *grin* I'm sure they found it very embarassing to realize that their little joke song was immortalized by a hobbit! I really wanted all of the hobbits to get a chance at conversation at this last feast; and Amrothos is going to be rather surprised when he finds himself cornered by Mosco! I'm not sure if Bergil will tell even his father-- I'm sure that he enjoys his little secret, just between him, Sir Pippin, Sir Merry and Legolas! Yes, the courtship is official! Not that any in the group doubted it, but now Beri's intentions are quite clear!
Viresse · 27 May 2009 · Chapter 52: Chapter 52
Just checking...no, no update yet.
Author's reply
No, not yet! I was quite taken by surprise when my story "Trotter" won the finish-a-thon vote instead of "Road to Edoras"!! But it's definitely got my writing going, so I will soon get back to it. R2E has been the most stubborn story I have ever written! Author Reply: If you are still wondering-- I just sent the last three chapters of this story to my beta tonight. I hope to get them posted very soon! *grin*
Aeärwen · 26 April 2009 · Chapter 52: Chapter 52
Of all the hobbit stories at this site, this one and the ones that came before it are my favorites. I sincerely hope that you will continue this tale of hobbits coming to Minas Tirith. Your cast of characters is delightful, and it is good to see them move forward into the Fourth Age. Thank you for writing hobbit stories that have substance to them.
Author's reply
Well, thank you very much! I only have a couple of chapters left on this-- I hope to soon get it finished, if my hobbits will just stay where I put them and stop haring off into the sequel! But right now I have some challenge stories to finish first. I thank you for reading, and for letting me know how much you enjoy the story!
harrowcat · 24 February 2009 · Chapter 52: Chapter 52
Hi Dreamflower, I've just finished re-reading this on my e.book reader and enjoyed every second of it again! But I am panting for more! Any idea when the Muse is going to prod you to update?
Author's reply
I have much of the rest *almost* finished--it just needs some transitional material and quite a bit of polishing. I'm not happy with how short some of the sections are. There are really only two more chapters left. But the problem is, my cast is not cooperating. They keep trying to skip ahead to the sequels, or to other stories! If only I could keep my muse away from other bunnies for a while!!
GamgeeFest · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 52: Chapter 52
LOL! Berilac and Viola must be causing no end of amusement for the other hobbits with their flirting. Is Beri really going to pop the Question though? Poor Cado, avoiding his cousins, who he will soon enough never see again. And he likely won't be seeing much of his brother either. I hope he doesn't get too homesick. And I got a laugh out of the Rohirrim's version of Frodo's destruction of Mordor! LOL! I hope Frodo never hears that one, if he hasn't already. He'd hear no end of it. ;D
Author's reply
Do you know I only just now found this review! I'm sorry! Yes, poor Cado. But at least he won't be too lonesome, with the family he has joined. Of course, events would tend to get skewed, unless someone (like Eowyn) was watching out to make sure they didn't.
GamgeeFest · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 51: Chapter 51
Glad that Gloin and Gimli were able to patch things up and that Gloin now has a chance to really get to know Legolas and let old fueds lie. Glad also that Bergil gets to stay with his father for the time being.
Author's reply
Yes, I wanted to let that happen. I can imagine, that as stubborn as Dwarves are, it would be really hard to let bygones be bygones. But he does know it's the right thing to do! And Bergil's been away from his father for almost a year. They need to be together again for a while!