Dreamflower
· 19 September 2014
· Chapter 65: We leave the Valley behind
At last they are on their way.
I love Bill's assessment of each member of the Fellowship. He trusts his heart and his nose and his Sam to get them through!
It's always a treat to see this tale continue!
Author's reply
At last! It's a bit daunting to tackle the next three weeks, with what little we're told in "The Ring Goes South". Having to figure out terrain, for one thing, and miles journeyed, and length of days, and the little things that had to have happened along the way, the conversations, the travellers coming to know each other better... so much to think about!
Thanks for listening!
Tari
· 19 September 2014
· Chapter 65: We leave the Valley behind
I love Bill's name for each of the travelers. Reading LOTR from the perspective of a pony is quite a lot of fun.
Author's reply
Imagining the journey from a pony's perspective has made me pay attention to details I never noticed in my previous readings, for sure.
Thanks!
UTfrog
· 18 September 2014
· Chapter 65: We leave the Valley behind
Always happy to see an update to this lovely story. Thank you
Author's reply
You're welcome! Thank you for taking the time to send along a good word.
Larner
· 18 September 2014
· Chapter 65: We leave the Valley behind
Yes, that question so often asked of himself and a vague future he cannot yet see would be one he would ask at that moment as well. And Bill is correct in his estimation of Frodo's strength, more of will than of body. Love that they are all looking out for one another. So good to see another chapter of this.
Author's reply
It seemed the perfect occasion for him to be thinking such a thought once more. I figure he hoped he'd see Bilbo again, but didn't really think his hope would come about.
Sending you an email with the new address. Don't yet have a moving date, but hopefully it's some time next week.
KathyG
· 18 September 2014
· Chapter 65: We leave the Valley behind
Yaayyy!!! You posted the next chapter!!!!! Thank you, Lindelea! I've been looking forward to this for a long time now! Please don't keep us waiting another two months for the next chapter! [hint, hint!]
Poor Fellowship! I don't envy them their Quest one bit! Just climbing out of that valley was an arduous task in itself, and to have to walk in that cold wind night after night, for days on end--brrr!! So dark, and so cold. At least, Bill has Sam. They all have a heavy burden to carry, but Frodo has the heaviest one of all, and I don't mean physically.
Author's reply
You're welcome! I am hoping along with you that it won't be too long before we're settled in and have the computer and internet set up once more!
A cutting wind in the daytime is bad enough, but somehow darkness makes it seem worse. I have gone through such a time, where I thought I might never feel warm again. I'm surprised I haven't read more fanfic about some member or other of the Nine Walkers having to fend of pneumonia on that stretch of the trip...
You're right, about Frodo, as well. I'm convinced he carried the heaviest burden of all.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 18 September 2014
· Chapter 65: We leave the Valley behind
I love Bill's way of identifying all of his companions. And this is so lovely:
I am content to walk when he walks, and stand when he stands, even in this biting wind. I move a little to stand between him and the wind, to offer what shelter I might with my own body.
Author's reply
Thank you!
I have to say, I really wasn't sure what Bill was going to come up with for Boromir. I know he distinguishes Aragorn as "my Big Man", but he really hasn't had much acquaintance with the Man of Gondor, yet. He will...
KathyG
· 16 September 2014
· Chapter 64: We depart and begin a long climb
I would so love to see this story continued! [hint, hint!]
Author's reply
Thanks for your encouraging note! Getting back to a regular writing schedule is at the top of my list just so soon as we're settled in our new house and have the computer set up and internet working. We are currently packing up to move next week! Whew.
Author Reply: Hah! We are in luck, as it turns out. I had the next chapter nearly finished, just needed a quiet hour to smooth out the rough edges. The computer desk was to have been packed up today, but we have a reprieve of sorts, and are actually moving a day or two later than originally planned. Thus, a new chapter will be posted shortly, and thank you for your patience.
Diana
· 15 August 2014
· Chapter 58: Scouts return and we hear news of the outside world
I am loving this story as I slowly catch up. I just wanted to say I appreciate how you had Bill express his pity for the black horses. I was never satisfied with Gandalf's explanation of how they tolerated the Nazgul and I always felt sad for them too, in life as well as death. When I was a kid I used to imagine various ways of saving the horses, even letting them be rehabilitated by Elrond's folk. Anyway, great job on this story and I hope you finish it!!!
The Dude abides.
Author's reply
Thanks for taking the time to leave a good word!
I have a soft spot for horses, even though they can be incredible bothers at times, especially if they've been abused, or even the opposite (spoiled). And now you have sparked my imagination -- wondering if one or more black horses might have been found in the ruins of Mordor, and who did the finding, and what happened from there...
I hope I finish it, too. I had been writing every day, right after the turn of the year, trying to finish a short list of WIPs before mid-summer, but now I'm lucky to have writing time once a week. Still, hoping for more. I have this story outlined to the end, at least, so there's a good chance.
Larner
· 15 July 2014
· Chapter 64: We depart and begin a long climb
I agree that Bilbo would be likely to wish such a final exchange with Sam, and love Bill's realization that Sam is to be trusted above all. And love the realization that all bear heavy loads, and particularly Frodo.
Pandora and Brendi have shed out their undercoats and feel particularly sleek and smooth. I hope to be down next week if possible. Look forward to getting the two Pandas together!
Take care and God bless!
Author's reply
I do hope you can come and meet "little" Panda. (Or ought I say "young" rather than "little"?)
Good thing they shed out their undercoats -- did you get the same heat wave we did?
I could clearly see in my mind's eye, Bilbo's charge to Sam, either in a shadowy corner some short time before the day of departure, or at the last minute, as the journey starts, with Frodo just out of hearing. I'm glad the scene worked. Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 15 July 2014
· Chapter 64: We depart and begin a long climb
Ah, Bill! So observant. And now it begins--and I am so looking forward to the Bill's eye view of this part of the adventure!
Author's reply
It will be interesting.
Dana and I used to joke about this part of the journey, especially the question of how they hid Bill from the birds flying overhead. One of us (I forget which) postulated in a silly moment that Frodo jammed the Ring over Bill's ear to turn him invisible, while the rest of the Nine Walkers hid under the bushes. Imagine the thoughts a pony might have under such circumstances!
Very silly of us, but fun to contemplate.
Thanks!
KathyG
· 15 July 2014
· Chapter 64: We depart and begin a long climb
Yaayyy!! You've posted another chapter! Now to see how Bill copes with being on the Quest, right up to the moment when he's forced to part company with the Fellowship right at the gates of Moria.
Author's reply
Have been contemplating that journey for quite a while now. Hope it suits!
Thanks!
shirebound
· 15 July 2014
· Chapter 64: We depart and begin a long climb
What a solemn, thoughtful chapter. I think I love this line the most:
the older cousin manages to keep the younger from going sprawling, and from the awkwardness it appears that youngest hobbit’s pack is far heavier than he let on at the beginning.
I wouldn't doubt it.
Author's reply
You'd be right not to doubt it. I think the lightest pack was given to Frodo, as he already has quite enough to bear, and the others are taking some of his extra.
I love it when people tell me their favourite parts...
Thanks!
KathyG
· 29 June 2014
· Chapter 63: We stand before the door and think of things forgotten
I look forward to reading the next chapter! (Hint, hint!)
Author's reply
Just back from a month away from home, and easing back into a routine. I'll take your hint and put the next chapter of this one nearer the top of the list! (Just have a couple of nearly finished chapters for other stories, and then I'll tackle this one...)
Author Reply: p.s. Thanks!
demeter d
· 23 May 2014
· Chapter 63: We stand before the door and think of things forgotten
What warm and lovely farewells from his Elven guide and other caretakers, and the four legged residents of the valley. I will be very interested to see your take on whether Bill does come back to Imladris after Moria, and if so, what would prompt him to continue on after that. I think that at this point, Sam thought that since everyone, including Bill, had their packs tied and ready to go, now was not the time. But I agree with you, if he had asked, someone would have found him some! It is interesting that Bill can not sense what Aragorn is feeling. That moment was the culmination of all of his long years of preparing. I suspect he was deep inside himself at that moment. And, as Tolkien wrote, perhaps only Elrond really knew all of what was at stake for Aragorn on that little adventure. I have very much enjoyed Bill's personality descriptions of his fellow travelers so far. It will be fascinating as he gets to know the rest. I like your reply to Harrowcat. And with your permission, I will echo and paraphrase it: "my name is Demeter, and I am an addict. My drug of choice is "Stories of Arda"!Still journeying with you.
Author's reply
LOL, we can start our own 12-step program. Step 1: Sit down at the computer. Step 2: Open a new window and click on Stories of Arda (our browser offers an array of frequently visited websites for our convenience when we open a new window, just in case we want to click on something familiar). Step 3... Hmmm... I don't think I'm getting anywhere in dealing with this addiction.
You pointed out Bill's inability to sense Aragorn's feelings; yes, that was a deliberate choice in writing this chapter. As you said, JRRT wrote that only Elrond might know what that moment meant to him, so I decided to keep Bill clueless as well. After all, I wouldn't want him to become a know-all Marty Stu!
Tari
· 23 May 2014
· Chapter 63: We stand before the door and think of things forgotten
Poor Bill keeps trying to make himself heard, but only Elves can understand him. He's such a sweet pony. Makes me want one.
Author's reply
I have known two ponies fairly well. One was a total cad, the other rather sweet and earnest. Bill is, of course, based on the latter...
Thanks!
Larner
· 22 May 2014
· Chapter 63: We stand before the door and think of things forgotten
A good question as to why he didn't demand a coil of rope right then. But if he'd had it, perhaps Aiwendiel's story would have come true instead, and all would have been far different than what we have from the Master himself.
And I CERTAINLY know how often we've had to go back and fetch what was forgotten before, particularly when the spouse would interrupt me and change the order of things, causing me to miss steps long planned ahead of time! Heh!
How is the pup doing?
Author's reply
The pup is still with her mother and siblings for another month, though we're aching to pick her up now. Still, it's best (for reasons I can go into in an email). We want a happy, well balanced, well socialized puppy, especially because she'll be something of a therapy dog.
Got a link to Aiwendiel's story?
KathyG
· 21 May 2014
· Chapter 63: We stand before the door and think of things forgotten
"I have always wondered why Sam didn’t just speak up then and there, and have a coil of rope added to Bill’s burden, or someone’s pack."
Good question! It wasn't too late for Sam to speak up; to step back inside, flag down a passing elf, and ask him if Sam could have a coil of rope; the elf would have surely said yes. The Fellowship would have waited the extra minutes it would have taken to add the rope to the bundles. Maybe Sam was afraid of holding things up?
Author's reply
That's all I can think of -- maybe he's eager to get this over with, really has no idea of the time and distance involved?
When I think of it, the Quest from Rivendell to the day the Ring went into the Fire was three months. Not a very long time, considering how much distance, time, effort, blood, sweat and tears was involved.
It never really struck me until I started writing Bill's journey from Rivendell to Moria. Amazing.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 21 May 2014
· Chapter 63: We stand before the door and think of things forgotten
Oh, what a unique way to experience the blowing of Boromir's horn! I really loved that part. And this...
The other horses and ponies meet us coming in from the meadow, and there are many soft nickers of greeting, blessings and hopes and well-wishes as they pass along to supper and bed.
Author's reply
Thank you for pointing out those parts! I didn't want to just echo what JRRT said, so I'm glad the way I describe Bill's experience works.
Dreamflower
· 21 May 2014
· Chapter 63: We stand before the door and think of things forgotten
Why didn't Sam speak up? Embarrassment, perhaps, and his own nerves--he's probably not really thinking straight. After all, Bill is right about the rope that ties down his burdens.
The truth is that so far as we know the Company did not actually need any rope; they managed just fine without it until Lothlorien. Gandalf's fall happened so quickly that I doubt that rope could have been used before he fell. Then in Lothlorien, Sam got his rope.
I've sometimes wondered if Tolkien did not have some small emergency in mind where Sam's rope would have been handy, and then ended up leaving it out of the story.
I love Bill's POV of the departure preparations--very practical and of the moment!
Author's reply
Somehow I have the lack of rope linked to Pippin hesitating for a l-o-o-ong time in Moria, at the edge of that -- what was it? -- seven foot leap over the deep fissure. With my fear of heights (it still amazes me that I enjoyed free climbing without a rope in my younger days), that scene has always struck a chord with me. I'm not sure I could have gotten up the courage to jump, if it were me, and if I had jumped, I'm not sure I would have made it across.
Thanks!
harrowcat
· 20 May 2014
· Chapter 63: We stand before the door and think of things forgotten
I was glad to see this posted. I love the nod towards the Prof's poetry in the title and, as always, you have found a creative solution to a point that has always made me wonder too. You remind me of a friend who returned to the house three times before finally leaving for a sailing trip. The last time he had gone twenty miles before recalling that his sleeping bag was still on top of the wardrobe! I am glad that SOA seems to be back to its old reliable self and I hope that you are feeling a bit more rested.
Author's reply
Thank you! Bill can be quiet poetic without even meaning to. It has a lot to do with his literal mindedness, oddly enough.
I am so glad to have SoA back... I really am addicted to the relaxation of reading a chapter or two a day.
MlleGigi
· 25 April 2014
· Chapter 62: Comfort, and a blessing to go on
I'm very glad that you're continuing this story, especially considering the fact that you began it quite a while ago! If I only had a dollar for every good fan fic I've come across that has been abandoned unfinished, I'd never have to worry about money ever again.
I like the fact that Arwen has chosen to bestow a blessing on Bill on Aragorn's behalf -- Tolkien's magnum opus, for all its genius and brilliance, has its shortcomings and one of them is the fact that the woman who supposedly inspires and motivates much of Aragorn's efforts is reduced to the level of a passive and stereotypical fairytale princess whose only apparent contribution to the story is to reward the hero for his efforts (and who is practically treated as an object rather than as a person).
Author's reply
I'm glad to hear from you!
JRRT was very traditional in his approach. However, I can't really see Arwen just sitting on her thumbs... In my mind she was heavily involved in all the practical details of planning and preparation (in fact, I've written a ficlet in which she apologises to Sam for leaving out rope, but it's in very rough form and not published), and then after they left, of course, JRRT has her working on that banner that Halbarad brought to the Southlands -- it was really all she could physically do to support Aragorn's mission at that point. I guess.
Now Eowyn... she had a much more active role... so at least he wasn't totally without imagination in that area.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 24 April 2014
· Chapter 62: Comfort, and a blessing to go on
Oh, at last! (So frustrating to see an alert for this, and then find the site down for ages!)
I'm so glad that Bill has Arwen's blessing. It will be a great help to him in his journey to fearful places.
Author's reply
Have been having a little trouble with that myself, whether posting a chapter, reading a new chapter, or trying to leave a review. Thankfully everything seems to be working at the moment.
I think the blessing of Arwen probably has more power than mere words. I hope so, anyway.
Thanks!
Larner
· 24 April 2014
· Chapter 62: Comfort, and a blessing to go on
Bless Arwen for blessing Bill! I rejoice for her caring and for his humility.
Author's reply
I can see Arwen as overseeing every detail of preparation, as her small part in the venture. It's tough to have to stay behind...
Thanks!
KathyG
· 23 April 2014
· Chapter 62: Comfort, and a blessing to go on
Well, the journey is about to begin, and I can't wait!
Author's reply
Thanks!
demeter d
· 23 April 2014
· Chapter 62: Comfort, and a blessing to go on
"...and the gathering shadows are somehow the less dark for the memory of her look, and her laughter." Add our Bill to the list of males, two or four legged, who are enraptured by the Evenstar!. I will be interested to see if Bill eventually works out just who "Estel" and "her beloved" really are. You continue to make dear Bill feel very humble and "hobbity", very much like his Sam. Like his Sam, Bill focuses most on the job at hand and the people he would help, not so much on dangers unnamed which have not presented themselves yet. A pony's way is one step at a time. I would imagine that the memory of Arwen became a light for several members of the Fellowship as their dark journey went on. As always, your language is lyrical. If I started quoting my favorite parts, I would re-write the whole thing. Well, and so it begins!
Author's reply
Lovely -- I'm glad that Bill comes off this way, as that is exactly how I'm aiming to portray him. You're right, the Evenstar inspires even a lowly pony, and though a pony's memory is not the sharpest, he will not forget her. Thank you for your encouragement.