The Road to Edoras by Dreamflower
Mysterious Jedi · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
Excellent, as always. I really feel sympathy for Cado. It looks like his lot might not be so bad after all. The romance between Beri and Viola spices things up, and it is interesting to watch the hobbits interact with Merry's friends from the Quest. Very well written. I look forward to reading more.
harrowcat · 15 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
I am so glad Cado is looking to make the best of it and has resolved things with his father.
Baggins Babe · 14 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
So Clovis continues to cut himself off from improvement and redemption simply by his behavious and lack of acknowledgement that he was wrong. Cado is a different matter and I think he will turn his life around and become a useful member of society. I love the people of Rohan, especially as you write them. This will be a good family for Cado to spend time with.
PIppinfan1988 · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
Wow! That was great -- this glimpse was more than I imagined! I think Cado is going to be fine...while that "other one" may never learn his lesson until it's too late. I also liked how Danulf introduced his wife Estrith as *daugher of* -- I had always wondered as to how a woman was introduced, being that the male was *son of* so-in-so. A very excellent chapter!
AspenJules · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
Many things come to mind with this chapter: - Cado will benefit in so many ways. He will see close up how a husband should treat a wife (though it's unlikely he'll ever really *need* that info now), how parents should treat their children and children treat their parents. He will get the proper examples he never got before, though his mother tried originally. He might even learn things about himself from watching the interactions of the children, especially the two brothers. He will learn humility by serving, and also that there is joy to be had in honest labor. - It's ironic to note that the one who needed those lessons the most, because of his own actions deprived himself of them. Clovis is much less likely to learn lessons of humility, service and even kindness, compassion and love in the kitchen setting, but because of his own continued bad choices, that's where he needed to be placed. Something to think about... - The irony in the traditional Shire greeting was amusing, but I found something else to be so as well, though it might not really fit. But it served to amuse me anyway. Danulf's father's name is Danhelm. Danulf disregarded what I would take to be repeated instructions from his father Danhelm to wear, or value, his helm. So in a sense, Danhelm is thanking Cado not only for teaching Danulf to wear his helmet but also teasing Danulf about the value of listening to his father! (making an assumption that since they both share the "Dan" in their names that "helm" could be a nickname-y way of referring to himself.) There's more I think but I can't remember it at the moment. I enjoyed it very much. Well done.
Author's reply
Yes, Cado is now placed to have what he never truly had before: a caring and nurturing family. I do believe that Clodio and Beryl did love their sons, but due to their own choices--Clodio in putting his pride first, and Beryl in choosing to be submissive to Clodio rather than confront him over the rearing of their sons--failed to *show* them any of that love, at least once they had left faunthood behind. Danulf is open and loving with his family, and Cado has much to learn from them; perhaps they even have a few things to learn as well. Clovis does not have the sort of attitude to benefit from kindness--he's far more likely to take kindness as his due, compassion as weakness, and attempts at friendship as something to be suspicious of, sadly. You do have a point about the helm, and I am quite sure that Danulf heard often enough from his father about the value of one. It's even more appropriate, as Danhelm's only previous appearance is in a flashback in "Chance Encounter" where he has to remonstrate with adolescent Eothain and Eowyn for sparring without protection. I'm glad you enjoyed it. This was a transition chapter, between the previous one, and some later material which I had written earlier...
SurgicalSteel · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
Seems like Cado's going to do just fine, and like even Clodio's realizing the error of his ways. Clovis? Some folks never do learn, unforntunately. This was just lovely!
Author's reply
That's just it, of course. It would be terribly unrealistic for both brothers to turn over new leaves, and Clovis has always been the one with the mean streak. Clodio has begun to realize how wrong he's been for years, and he is quite right--he did ruin his son's lives. But Cado is right as well: all three of them share the blame, and blame doesn't matter any more--there's no going back.
Lindelea · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
*satisfied sigh* While it's a little bit of "too little, too late" it is nice to see Cado's growing up. He does seem to have landed on his feet, so far as possible, anyhow, especially considering his thoughtful attitude. I was going to cut and paste some bits but my cut and paster doesn't seem to be working at the moment. Whew. Such a nice treat at the end of a sweltering day. And just as hot (102, I've heard) tomorrow. Perhaps it's time to work on something wintry again. *g*
Author's reply
Cado has time to grow up. He's only a year older than Pippin after all. And it *is* too late for a life in the Shire; but out from under his brother's shadow, he'll have a chance to find the light now. Oh, poor dear! *fans you* Yes, yes--a good day to work on the Fell Winter, maybe? *grin*
Larner · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
Yes--I'd think Danulf has indeed learned his lesson. Excellent! And Cado continues to grow, finding even servitude worthwhile in the end!
Author's reply
I think Danulf will be teased for the rest of his life about that! Cado, I think, is going to find his freedom in his servitude in the end.
GamgeeFest · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
Wonderful! I'm not so worried about Cado anymore. He's well placed in Danulf's care, and I think living with a caring, loving family is just what he needs, and the humility of working will help to sober him further. Good job on noting the irony of the old Shire greeting - and I bet Danulf won't be caught on guard without a helmet again! :D But that Clovis. He just doesn't get it, and I begin to fear he never will. To be so cold to his father on what will likely be the last time he ever sees him. But then again, his father wasn't very loving either. Perhaps this is what Clodio needs in order to fully understand the error of his ways and that it might be best if he doesn't see what other trouble Clovis will be getting into.
Author's reply
I'd thought of this early on--Cado had about three potential fates, and this was the most pleasant of them, and offers him the most opportunity to make something of his life, even if it will not be in the Shire. I thought the irony of that greeting would strike him--he's an intelligent lad. And no one is going to let Danulf ever forget about his helmet, ever! No, Clovis still doesn't get it. Life is still all about *him*, and he's still the center of his own universe. For Clodio, this is the ultimate eye-opener, realizing what he has done to his sons all these years. He allowed pride to twist his hobbit nature, but now he's been humbled.
Grey Wonderer · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
I do believe that Cado is going to be all right. I am very glad that some good will come out of all of this. Maybe the Shire will learn from this also and know that they might have managed something like this with Cado if they had not been forced by their own laws to banish him. Maybe if he does well he will get a pardon from the Thain in later years. I can just see Pippin doing that very thing at some point. (While his cousin, Master Merry of Buckland is out of town naturally. LOL)
Author's reply
You might be surprised to find out what Cado has ahead of him still...
Telpethoron · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
After reading this, I'm almost convinced there is yet some hope for Cado. He's had time to think about his situation, and he seems determined to make the best of it. That he can find something to laugh at is, in many respects, a good sign. Perhaps his time of 'servitude' will pass by that much faster. Clovis is another matter entirely. He doesn't seem to want to change his ways, from what I can see. I'm hoping I could be wrong on that score - but we'll see. Loved this chapter, as always!
Author's reply
Yes, of all the four criminals, Cado has the best chance to make a new life for himself, and the right attitude to go about it. It's possible, even, that his time of servitude will go by even more quickly than he wishes it too. Danwine, Edric and Gerde (and their baby brother Sigeberht, whom I had no time to introduce) will add something to his life that's been missing for a long time. Clovis still thinks himself hard done-by, still blames everyone but himself for his trouble. He's unlikely to change his actions until that attitude changes.
Kitty · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 45: Chapter 45
Well, their short meeting – and obviously their way to treat their father as well – is once again telling about Cado and Clovis. I am glad at least Cado was nice to Clodio. And I see they both begin to understand how much they did wrong. “Cado Banks, at your service and your family’s,” Cado is right, that *is* ironically appropriate, as if made for this purpose *grin* Love Danulf’s family, all of them. And Danhelm’s greeting to Cado was fun! Somehow I think Cado will feel comfortable there, even if he has to work, and maybe the children are a better example to him than his own brother. After this chapter, I’m more sure than ever that Cado will have a bearable fate with Danulf, but I suppose Clovis will do everything to get himself in even more trouble.
Author's reply
Yes, Cado and his father are beginning to face up to their failings. Clovis still wants to pass blame. You know, it wasn't until I'd put that bit down--a natural reaction of a hobbit on being introduced--that it dawned on me just how *perfectly* ironic it was, and I could not help making use of it! Danulf's family was fun to write; I had a time finding perfect names for them all (you've yet to meet baby brother Sigeberht!) and I fell in love with all three of the children, but especially with little Gerde! I've a notion that we'll be seeing more of Cado among Danulf's family, even if we don't in this story...*grin* Clovis? Well, let's say you are quite probably right.
Grey Wonderer · 25 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
(Danulf gave him a smile; it was the first smile the Man had ever actually directed his way, and Cado felt the knot unravel just a little. Maybe this year would not be so dreadful as he feared.) I like Danulf and I like the justice of the Eomer and his people far better than that of the Hobbits. It is sad to think of Cado who seems to be regretting his actions and willing to reform not being able to go home again once he has learned his lesson. For some reason I thought of the young men who fled the war and went to Canada and all of the years that they couldn't come home. I wonder if the hobbits might change their system in the future and then Cado might be permitted to come home again? This was an excellent chapter. I think Clovis got exactly what he deserves.
PIppinfan1988 · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
*Very* good!! Eomer was indeed just and fair. Still, I'd like to see what happens to these scamps in six months time; as to what sort of disposition each one is in. I have no doubt that Clovis will end up a bitter, if not dead, hobbit after he is set free. Cado's story could be interesting...*hint, hint*! PF
Author's reply
Well it's hard to say how Clovis will end up, though your scenario is a very possible one. As to Cado, I do have some plans for him. *grin*
Lindelea · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
i am spamming you. dreadful hot spots. Maybe I should even have said I thought it might be a heart-breaking moment when Clodio has to say goodbye to his sons.
Author's reply
Spam away! I don't mind. I spent most of today deliberately *making* a hot spot. (Which is to say, I brought out a lot of stuff that needs to go into our glass-doored bookcase, and piled it on the dining room table, as an incentive to my DH to move a chair that is in the way of said bookcase...) I think that there could be quite a bit of angst in that moment, yes, I do.
Lindelea · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
You know, I should think it's going to be hard for Clodio to say goodbye to his sons, and perhaps for Cado to say goodbye to his father, perhaps for the last time. *sigh* (why am i online? too much to do. shouldn't be online again until tomorrow. ok, bowing to the inevitable. going to go clear off some hot spots and then supervise violin practice. until later!) (and didn't you say there was a sequel to this?) (and wondering what the healer-King will make of Clodio...) (poor hobbitses, even if they did bring it on themselves)
Author's reply
I think you are right. We shall see, though. (What's wrong with being online? *wink* Just set the timer--15 minutes here, 15 minutes there...I'm sure FlyLady would approve...well, almost sure...uh, well...darn! is that MY timer beeping?)8-) And yes, there is a sequel: working title "At the Court of the High King". I think he will make *something* of him--don't you? (yes, poor hobbitses...)
Telpethoron · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
Eomer is a fair and just king, indeed - he took into account not only their youth, but the fact that they were acting out of 'loyalty' to their father. I think he made the right choice in using servitude as their punishment...a whole year will give both of them time to consider their actions and the consequences. Hopefully both of them will learn something from this. Well done, as always. I'm looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Yes, hopefully both of them. I'm just not sure if Clovis will learn the same lessons as Cado... And I'm glad you thought Eomer was fair and just. I was so hoping he would come across that way!
Lindelea · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
Whew. What a subtle way of showing the contrast. A smile for Cado. A warning for his brother. Why does "This is the first day of the rest of your life" keep chiming in my brain? I am so glad that Eomer was wise and just. What happens to their father, I wonder? Or did I miss that in an earlier chapter, through reading too quickly? Happy to tell you I found the rest of the scrap of song I'd written (it would likely be only a chorus, and I've no idea of the verses, or else by itself part of a verse), thanks to your help. New chapter's coming along nicely.
Author's reply
I'm glad you thought it subtle--that's just what I was trying to do. And I think I know why that saying would come to you now. They are both at the beginning of essentially a brand new life. Clodio is still "laid up". He's probably feeling a good deal better, but Mistress Poppy will probably keep him on the invalid list for a while--she knows having to go to the dungeon (which would happen if she declared him well) would probably bring on a serious relapse. He's scheduled to go on to Gondor with Dago... I'm so glad you found it! I knew it had to be in one of two places, and as it wasn't in the first, why it had to be int the second, LOL!
Imhiriel · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
A just and very wise punishment. I think it will do Cado a world of good on his way to redemption to get to know Men as fellow human beings in a family with husband, wife and children. Danulf will not exploit his position and take good care of him. And it's better to keep Clovis close at hand where he can be supervised by the kitchen staff. I'm very curious how he behaves himself - I suspect his sentence may be prolonged more than once ...
Author's reply
Yes, it will. He will finally get to be a part of a family, and that will do him more good than anything else ever could. And you are quite right about Danulf--only Men whom Eomer could rely on to be that sort of trustworthy person would have been chosen for the mission in the first place. It's going to be interesting to see how Clovis reacts to his sentence. Unlike Cado, for whom I have future plans, I have not yet envisioned what will happen with Clovis after the other hobbits leave.
elanor winterflowers · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
You know, banishment really is an awful thing, when you think of it in terms of hobbits. There are other places where Men live in the world, and Elves, but Cado and Clovis will be turned out into a world where there are no others of their kind, save for Bree, which won't be hospitable to them. Kind of gave me a shiver to think of it. They're good for a year, though, and I hope Clovis gets his eyes opened before it's up!
Author's reply
Yes, that *is* the worst of it for them. They will essentially live out their lives alone. And hobbits are such social creatures. Still, we know that Bilbo was perfectly happy among the Elves for seventeen years in Rivendell, and then with only Frodo for company when he sailed. Of course, he was rather exceptional, and had a great strength of character to draw upon. We shall see whether these two are strong enough to deal with their fate.
SurgicalSteel · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
That was a very just sentence for both young hobbits, as I'd expect from Eomer. It'll be interesting to see what's in store for Clodio, though. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Eomer is a very wise young King, isn't he? And now Clodio and Dago must trust their fates to Elessar. *We* know how wise the High King is. But will they?
Kitty · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
The trust in Éomer was well founded. His judgement was just, I’d say, and he did even consider the difference between the brothers, considering that Cado got the easier punishment. Interesting idea to send him to Danulf to work there. Well, I’m sure Danulf will not be too hard on him, if he shows further signs of remorse and a bit more sense. Clovis, on the other hand, got more time to think about his actions and behaviour. One can only hope he is using the time in the cell to ponder this, instead of only being resentful and wallowing in self-pity. I have to admit, it feels satisfying to know he has to scrub pots, as it will be a true punishment for him. I’m really curious how that will work out and trust you to tell us someday ;-)
Author's reply
I think that Danulf and his family will be good for Cado. You will get a chance to see how good, at least a little... Clovis will have a lot of time to think. But considering how little he's learned from mistakes in the past, it's hard to say if he'll learn anything now. You *will* find out, eventually!
Baggins Babe · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
A very suitable punishment, although I ended up feeling a teensy bit sorry for both of them, even Clovis. if he will only stop feeling sorry for himself and think a bit more, as his brother has done, he may be brought to redemption. It must be terrible to know they can never return to their own land. Eomer is a wise young man - I'm always delighted to see him come out well in stories.
Author's reply
It's easy to feel sorry for them: forever banished from their own kind, and seperated even from one another, (though I think, for Cado's sake, that's best), and set into situations they could never have imagined before. I think Eomer would have been a wise young man--he showed remarkable wisdom in his very first introduction in TTT, when he was wise enough to let three strangers walk free in his land, even though it would get him in trouble.
harrowcat · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
Just and fair to both the sons. Let us just hope that the one does not try to get the other into further trouble in this year.
Author's reply
Well, they aren't going to have much contact, I don't think. And I'm glad you think their sentences were fair--I had hoped that would be the case!
Larner · 12 June 2007 · Chapter 44: Chapter 44
A worthy punishment, and much as I would see Aragorn imposing as well. They are young, after all, and Cado is already more than halfway to redemption, I think. And he apparently appreciates he has hope and others have hope for him, I think. Clovis and the pots--going to be interesting. Now, to see what becomes of Clodio.
Author's reply
Well, Eomer's had a chance to see his friend Aragorn dish out punishment before; but I think also that he's a pretty astute judge of character and situation himself--after all, he sized up an Elf, a Dwarf and a strange Man pretty quickly and very well the first time we ever meet him! I think Clovis is rather going to learn to hate pots! And Clodio--poor Clodio!