I see Rohan can be expected to be most thoughtfully hospitable; I loved the description of the hobbits' guest room. Felt very sorry for the prisoners; the more tall strangers look on them with disapproval, the worse it must get, I expect.
I read with great interest Merry's letter to Éomer, such things being very close to my heart! It was a fine letter, with lots of detail and a strong sense of "Shire" about it. I could hear "Merry's droll voice" too!
Looking forward to the next chapter. :)
Author's reply
I think that hospitality would be very important to the Rohirrim, and they now know some hobbit preferences, so they would be able to deal with those.
You are quite right. And of course, they are dreading their day of judgement.
I'm so glad you found Merry's letter "Shirish"--I could imagine him opening with a suitably formal greeting, and then quickly descending into friendly familiarity!
Agape4Gondor
· 19 May 2007
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Very difficult chapter - though beautifully written - sometimes I feel for Lobelia - difficult.
Etharei
· 18 May 2007
· Chapter 36: Chapter 36
I just wanted to let you know, dearest, that I'm still reading this and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I'm very excited that you've continued writing it, as I'd hate to think of those poor Hobbits and sick young Bergil being stranded out in the Wilds indefinitely, plus I'd love to read about the Hobbit delegation's impressions of the Golden Hall.
This chapter was particularly beautiful, and had me tearing at the end in memory of the fallen son of Theoden. I wish I could give you more useful feedback than cries of "Wonderful!" and "Great writing!", but I can't muster the words the describe the wealth of feeling your stories always inspire in me. Needless to say, I enjoy every word you write :-) Thank you for sharing your gift!
Author's reply
Yes, I felt dreadful about the long hiatus, but the story was not presenting itself to me in a linear fashion, so I had to sort of catch up to myself. Now all I'm having to do is fit in some "transitional" material, and do some editing, for most of it is finished. But I would never have left the poor delegation or my readers stranded indefinitely!
I am so glad that you found this chapter moving. I simply could not find it in me to allow them to pass the Fords of Isen without a tribute. Theodred's story, as told in UT *is* so moving, and I think that the hobbits needed to learn it. He was a real unsung hero of the War.
And I treasure every little bit of feedback, trust me! It makes me feel good to know that you are still enjoying my stuff! Thank *you* for letting me know!
PIppinfan1988
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 41: Chapter 41
That was an excellent chapter! Éomer, as I figured he'd be, is a very perceptive, yet merciful king. The deliberation in the back room is a good example of just how fair he is in his judgements.
I'm glad to see them finally in Rohan; and I'm looking forward to more!
PF
Author's reply
Well, Eomer may have been a bit unprepared to be king at first--he always thought that job would fall to his cousin. But we know how perceptive he was anyway, just from how he responded to three strangers on the plains of Rohan.
And he's got the example before him of the High King and the Steward on rendering a fair judgement...
There will be a few more chapters here in Rohan.
Fascinated to see more of Rohan, and also to get a Rohirrim's-eye-view of the hobbits. Éomer wears his new kingship with considerable dignity and Freddy will make everyone at home very proud!
Author's reply
Yes, they've finally arrived. Eomer makes a good king, doesn't he? And Freddy may be uncertain of his own ability, but Frodo and the others have confidence in him, and yes, I think they will be very proud of him when he returns home.
AspenJules
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 41: Chapter 41
Ahhh, so they finally get there!
And you give us just enough to tease, but nowhere near enough to satisfy! LOL
I am a greedy!AspenJules... LOL
I think, among everything else, I am looking forward to seeing the hobbits' reaction to Edoras, and the King.
Not that I'm not also looking forward to the feast, and learning the boys' fates, and more time between Beri and Violet, and hearing more from Poppy, and maybe some good, less-formal, dialogue between Eomer and hobbits.... LOLOL
Author's reply
Not that I'm not also looking forward to the feast, and learning the boys' fates, and more time between Beri and Violet, and hearing more from Poppy, and maybe some good, less-formal, dialogue between Eomer and hobbits.... LOLOL
I think you will be pleased with the next few chapters then...
Imhiriel
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 41: Chapter 41
Loved the careful, formal introductions. I have to admit I was forgetting some of the Hobbits and their relationships after the last update, and it was a good to be reminded again, and that in a way that felt natural to the narrative. Killing two birds with one stone.
(I have to say that I'm always reluctant to use this specific proverb in English: The German equivalent of this is far less cruel: it's "to slap two flies with one stroke". Who misses some annoying flies, in contrast to two poor, nice birdies *g*?)
I always like it if authors include one or more of Thengel's daughters in their stories about Rohan. To make one of them chateleine of Meduseld is a very good move on your side, Dreamflower.
Isn't this set at a time when Éomer was already married to Lothíriel? Will we see her in future chapters?
Author's reply
While the Rohirric court is not so formal as the Gondorian one, I think the introduction of an embassy calls for a certain amount of that--and as you say, it's also a reminder of who's who. (And I like that German saying--it would make a lot more sense to a modern person!)
I have used Eormangilda once before, in "Chance Encounter". Most people seem to forget that Theodwyn was only Theoden's *youngest* sister. Eormangilda came to Meduseld to be Theoden's chatelaine for a while, after Eomer and Eowyn were orphaned. She left after Eowyn "grew up", and before Grima's influence became pronounced--we will learn a little more of her story in upcoming chapters.
This is before Eomer marries Lothiriel. (It's still SR 1420, set in the summer immediately after Sam and Rose marry.) But we may see a bit about that before everything is over--if not in this story, then in another one I have a bunny for.
Imhiriel
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 40: Chapter 40
And atop it all, crowning the hill was another house, a huge one, far bigger than The Prancing Pony, which up until now had been the largest building she had ever laid eyes on.
I had to laugh at this: comparing The Prancing Pony with Meduseld is like comparing a chicken with a falcon, IMO. But of course the Hobbits have almost no possibilities for a decent comparison, have they?
I enjoyed to see what some of the Hobbits thought as they are nearing their destination. It's neat way to remind the readers of the diverse motivations again after so long on the road.
They had arrived in Edoras at last.
My feelings exactly *g* - I was beginning to feel they might never arrive without any more delays and mishaps... I'm very much looking forward to what happens next: more interaction between Hobbits and Big Folk, yippieh! And we're going to see Éomer King!
Author's reply
That was exactly the reason I included the comparison, as a reminder of the fact that however many miles these hobbits have travelled their experiences are still very limited. (And I also think it will be funny in the sequel, when they approach Minas Tirith, and they realize how much bigger *it* is!)
I wanted to focus a bit on a couple of the hobbits whose POV we haven't seen much--with an ensemble as large as this one, I do not want to spend all my time on the "stars" like Freddy and Beri.
Yes, they have arrived, finally.
Larner
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 41: Chapter 41
A wise young king Eomer has proven to be, and I'm proud of him. Wonderful thought is shown to seeing to it all is done correctly and properly.
Now, looking forward to the judgement to be given.
Author's reply
He is a wise young king--he'll make sure to make an appropriate decision, rest assured!
GamgeeFest
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 41: Chapter 41
Eomer is very perceptive, and I liked his initial chagrin of having to deal with the younger hobbits. I'm glad they're both only getting servitude, but I'm interested to see what that service will be. Can't wait for the feast!
Author's reply
I think and hope that you will be pleased and surprised at their fates!
*grin* I think they are eager for the feast as well...
Kitty
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 41: Chapter 41
Éomer’s first impressions about the Hobbits are interesting, and his estimation of the prisoners shows him a rather good judge of character. And what Éothain told him confirmed it nicely. I am glad they realised Cado could be turned on the right path, while Dago and Clovis are rather hopeless. Though I don’t envy Èomer the task of deciding some of their fates. (Personally I think I’d sent Cado to the kitchen to help the cooks and Clovis to clean up stables or some other dirty task, if it has to be servitude)
But now I am a bit worried – how will Clodio fare if they are taking his younger son away? Cado was the only one to care for him. (I can’t believe that I worry about him at all!)
Author's reply
He's a good judge of character, true, and now he has the knowledge he needs to make an informed decision. And you may be a bit surprised at their fates. Remember--in Rohan, stablework is an honor, so they would not use it as a punishment!
And we shall see about Clodio...
SurgicalSteel
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 41: Chapter 41
Well, they finally made it! Sticky problem for Eomer to deal with, but I'm sure he'll come up with a suitable solution.
Author's reply
Yes, he will come up with an emminently suitable solution, I think...
harrowcat
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 41: Chapter 41
So they have arrived! Now what a problem for Eomer! No wonder Eothain was a bit worried about his reaction.
Author's reply
Yes, they've arrived, and now the ball is in Eomer's court. And Eothain knows that his cousin is not going to be thrilled, but that he will deal with it well.
GamgeeFest
· 14 May 2007
· Chapter 40: Chapter 40
Yay! They're there at last. I'm sure once they get over the feelings of overwhelment, they'll settle in just fine. There's still some ugly business ahead of them to deal with, but I hope they enjoy Edoras every bit as much as Merry did.
Author's reply
Yes, at last! And they will settle in and do what needs to be done there, before heading on to Minas Tirith. And I think they'll make some good friends there, as well.
Bodkin
· 12 May 2007
· Chapter 40: Chapter 40
It's good to see Eomer feeling as nervous about his role in this as the hobbits are in theirs.
I hope they all find themselves reassured by actually meeting each other. Especially Mosco. Even Cado and Clodio. Although I don't mind at all if Clovis and Dago continue to suffer for rather longer!
Author's reply
Well, Eomer knows everyone loves hobbits, himself included. So he wants to do this right.
It will eventually be a reassurance, I think.
harrowcat
· 11 May 2007
· Chapter 40: Chapter 40
I love the view of Edoras from each of the Hobbits' point of view. Blood will tell, on both sides I am sure. I also think that Eomer's reaction to the news of their impending arrival is what makes him such a good King.
Author's reply
While we've been getting a number of POVs, I did want to get in a couple of the more neglected members of the party, such as Rolly and Mosco.
It is. A good king worries about such things--Eomer is not cocky; he knows how well-loved hobbits are.
I love that last bit with Berilac and Viola. hehehe They are quite darling together and you can just tell how very much Berilac loves her. After all, there they are in sight of something so impressive and he only has eyes for her. I can't wait to see how Freddy does here. He's been so good at it all to this point. Drat! I only have one chapter this time! LOL
Author's reply
Beri and Viola are just irresistable, aren't they?
I think Freddy is going to realize that Frodo's trust in him is not misplaced.
Agape4Gondor
· 10 May 2007
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Delightful chapters - I'm up to seven now!!!! And I loved and was saddened by the chapter about Folco - beautifully told!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are still enjoying it!
Poor Folco! The first story I wrote with him in it was "A Conspiracy of Hobbits". His personality developed from this question: *why* was someone who was obviously a dear friend of Frodo, much as Fredegar was, *excluded* from the Conspiracy? And it came to me that he was one of those people, who despite every best intention, simply can't keep their mouths shut.
And then, as I pondered more, the question occurred to me: how would such a person fare during the Occupation? When I realized the answer, I told myself sharply *NO!* because I really *liked* Folco. But as I began to write "A New Reckoning" I knew I could not deal with Freddy without dealing with that pesky Folco bunny. So poor Folco had to go. I wrote "For Folco". *sigh* 8*-(
But I still love the character, so I like to use him in flashbacks and pre-Quest stories whenever feasible.
Lindelea
· 10 May 2007
· Chapter 40: Chapter 40
The penalty in Gondor for what they did is death? It has been too long since I read the trial chapter, I think. I don't remember the details anymore.
Poor Mosco. And yet, do I detect foreshadowing here? He *is* going to be of use, isn't he? Somehow I just feel it.
*sigh* Alas, poor Frodo.
Author's reply
Well, they violently attacked a peaceful embassy. It's certainly not something that anyone would ever expect from hobbits! I'm sure that Aragorn has been working hard to change the laws and penalties, but I don't suppose he ever thought this law would be broken in the Shire of all places.
Yes, Mosco will be of much use before the end--though perhaps not until the sequel when they reach Minas Tirith.
Poor Frodo. *sigh*
A fascinating look at the thoughts of the hobbits as they arrive at Edoras.
Cado is really beginning to realise just what they are in for.
Sad to learn that Frodo is being silly and stubborn - Sam needs to give him a stern talking to! :-)) He can see how brave others have been but fails to see his own achievements.
I was wondering where you'd got to. Hope the notification for my last chapter of 'Centenary of Special Significance' came through.
Author's reply
Yes, Cado's been realizing it over the last few chapters. But now it's really hitting home.
Frodo *is* being silly and stubborn, and he probably does know it. I don't think a stern talking to will help, though. Not in *this* more canon universe. *sigh*
I thought I'd commented! I may have been interrupted or pressed for time! I'll have to go back and see--that *was* the one with the letters, right?
PIppinfan1988
· 10 May 2007
· Chapter 40: Chapter 40
There ya go; leave me hanging, will you?! I've been *waiting* for this moment for a long time, lol.
I liked eavesdropping into everyone's thoughts; especially Mosco's. His reminded me of Merry and Pippin feeling like excess baggage on their journey. I, too, should like to what his role will be in this tale...I'm beginning to think he is in for a real treat.
I also enjoyed the memory of Freddy and Frodo's conversation. I wish Frodo would have been able to see his successes as well; I'd like to believe that might have helped him with the guilt, but perhaps not. *sigh* At least we have the Eucatastrophe Series! :-)
PF
Author's reply
They've arrived. But there are still a few more chapters left...
Mosco has not had much to say or do so far, with such a large cast. I hope to give him a larger role as we go on.
Yes, we do have "Eucatastrophe"! *grin* I'm glad we can see him that way.
Hildigrim
· 10 May 2007
· Chapter 40: Chapter 40
This story is good fun, especially the swimming lessons. (I'm with Fredegar.) I do have one quibble, however. I'm not certain I believe that "there would have been no choice in their sentence" in Gondor with Aragorn and Arwen reigning. Perhaps Cado's information was out of date? Anyway, I look forward to more chapters....
Author's reply
Well, this is only a year since the Ring was destroyed; Aragorn is doing his best to make the laws of Gondor less harsh than they were under the later Stewards, he probably has not had time to deal with them all.
And Clovis' and Cado's offense was worse than the usual: They attacked with *violence* a peaceful embassy with whom their own people were treating. This would have been a capital crime in almost any country up until very recent times in the real world. Of course, they were acting more out of youthful stupidity than treachery, but the Rohirrim will have more leeway in how they handle this right now.
Anyway, I'm so glad you are enjoying the story so far! New chapters will not be long in coming. Thank you very much for stopping by to read and review!
AspenJules
· 10 May 2007
· Chapter 40: Chapter 40
I loved reading all the different reactions to the approach, and especially starting off with Eomer's reaction to the prospect of passing judgement. I can't imagine he hasn't passed judgement on some of his own people by now, but they are a known quantity, and the only hobbits Eomer's known are ones he cared for sincerely. That would indeed make a young King a bit ... on edge.
Poor Mosco... I'm looking forward to him finding his place.
And the flashback of Freddy's conversation with Frodo was heartbreaking, as well as maddening. As others have said, *why* can't Frodo see that their situations were similar... that if Freddy was justified at running from the Riders, he was even more justified in falling to the Ring finally, after so much time and when the Ring had reached the height of its power.
It's ultimately frustrating that you ended the chapter right there but I guess I'll deal with it. Can't wait for them to meet Eomer King and to hear the miscreants' sentences.
Author's reply
You're right--it's the fact that they are *hobbits*--members of a rather beloved race, and not only that, but they appear so small and defenseless. Plus they are kin to the Ringbearer, and Sir Merry and Sir Pippin...has to make him a little nervous.
Mosco *will* find his place before they go home.
Frodo may see the situations as similar, but he still thinks what he did was worse; it's the Ring's legacy, after all.
It won't be much longer.
Larner
· 10 May 2007
· Chapter 40: Chapter 40
Many emotions on arrival at their first destination, and each proper to the character.
Love the flashback to Frodo in Bag End proclaiming his own failure, refusing to admit that he had no more control over what he did than Freddy did at fleeing from the Black Riders.
Now, to see to the greetings and the judgment. Rather glad Cado gets his judgement here rather than in Gondor. He'll begin seeing honor in acton among men now.
Author's reply
Frodo will always (at least until he reaches the West)see his own failure at Mt. Doom as being the greatest of treachery, no matter how many reassurances he recieves.
Yes, Cado is in for quite a surprise...
Kitty
· 10 May 2007
· Chapter 40: Chapter 40
Interesting to see their different reactions to finally arriving in Edoras.
Cado can certainly be glad they 'only' attacked one of the Rohirrim. Still, I don't envy Éomer for having to judge them.
As for Mosco, I trust you to find the perfect purpose for him. And Freddy ... his remembered conversation with Frodo left me wanting to shake some reason into Frodo. It is so sad that his own case is the only one he can't consider in the right way *sigh*
Look forward to the first meeting between Éomer and the hobbits!
Author's reply
Yes, I thought each of them would have a different reaction to arriving at their first destination.
Cado is having the sorts of thoughts he *should* have had *before* he went along with his brother--but he is wising up. And Eomer will get all the facts before he does anything.
I've not done much with Mosco so far, with such a large cast, but he will have some things that he will bring a contribution to.
Frodo really has a blind spot when it comes to himself. And even when he admits it in his head, his heart doesn't believe it.
Coming soon...