Dreamflower
· 31 March 2010
· Chapter 44: Many meetings
How delightful to see a new chapter of this! At last Bill is getting what he deserves: cool sunlight, green grass, clean water, and helpful attention!
I loved Asfaloth coming to his defense from those other haughty horses, and it looks as though he's found a friend in this new mare, and in Merrylegs...
Author's reply
I would figure Asfaloth as being pretty high in the pecking order, if not at the top, and so I think Bill will fare well, now that the great horse has let his views be known.
Ah, it is so nice to contemplate Bill's time in Rivendell, although I, like JRRT, anticipate that there won't be all that much to say about it, once certain events are resolved. Peace and plenty don't make for gripping chapters, sad to say.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 31 March 2010
· Chapter 44: Many meetings
I swish my tail, not to fend off midges, but from the sheer pleasure of feeling the well-combed length of it
Ahhhh, what a pleasurable awakening. I'm so happy for Bill. He indeed experienced his own "many meetings", and Asfaloth was there to help him gain acceptance.
Author's reply
Yes, it was amusing to find that "Many meetings" fit Bill's first (wakeful) day in Rivendell as well.
Thanks!
Larner
· 31 March 2010
· Chapter 44: Many meetings
Love Asfaloth's championship of our Bill, and the friendship offered by Bilbo's pony and the mare. She has certainly made the understatement for the day!
Good to hear from you, and to see this story updated, too!
Author's reply
She's a great one for understatement, I find.
Looking forward to seeing you!
(and, thanks!)
cookiefleck
· 29 November 2009
· Chapter 43: Restless, I find some sort of rest at last
Nice chapter. I'm greatly looking forward to Bill's reunion with Sam!
Author's reply
Thanks for the good word! I'm looking forward to it, too! (It's so difficult to write Rivendell chapters--Rivendell is a lovely place, so lovely that it's difficult to write and not be drawing yawns... We'll have to set out on the quest, or end the story, or something, and soon.
grumpy
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 43: Restless, I find some sort of rest at last
Ah, the elves have found a great place for Bill to rest up and have a little grub. I love the old pony, he is quite the character. Hope Sam finds time to visit Bill soon.
Author's reply
Thanks! Sam, I'm sure, will visit Bill just so soon as his anxiety about Frodo can be relieved.
Larner
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 43: Restless, I find some sort of rest at last
Ah, bless the gentle pony, and his concern for those he has come to love and care for so! Master is now in the best of hands, at least. Love Merrylegs--he does sound as if he and Bilbo are well suited to one another! Now, did the pony pick up on Bilbo's attitudes, or was it the other way around? Heh!
Lovely, lovely!
Author's reply
Must admit I borrowed the name "Merrylegs" from Black Beauty, although I've seen it somewhere else, as well. Seems like nearly as good a name as "Strider"!
I think that Bilbo and the pony are perfectly suited, and understand each other well by this point. As to who follows whom in attitude... hmm, perhaps they were simply meant for each other?
Hope this finds you well. *hug*
Dreamflower
· 27 November 2009
· Chapter 43: Restless, I find some sort of rest at last
Oh, Lin! I love it! "Merrylegs"-- Bilbo had a pony! Of COURSE Bilbo had a pony, I just never thought of that before! And his personality, curious and querulous, just like his master.
And poor Bill, he's come to a haven of peace, warmth and plenty, but still he worries about his Sam! What a lovely chapter!
What a treat to come home to after a long day at work!
Author's reply
Glad to have offered a treat! KWYM, sometimes when I'm up before everyone else I sneak a peek in hopes there'll be something at SoA I can read while the teakettle's going.
I was thinking about horses, and ponies, and read what Bilbo told Frodo about his journeys after leaving the Shire. A pony sounds like just the thing--and they've probably known each other for the better part of a pony's life, by this time.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 27 November 2009
· Chapter 43: Restless, I find some sort of rest at last
Bill is so dear! What a joy to see him receive such tender care at last, and I love the teasing manner of Elvish horses.
The straw smells of golden days of summer sun.
How lovely. I hope Sam (also bathed and fed) arrives soon to soothe him.
Author's reply
*sigh*
The very next chapter was written right about the time I first started this story, and I've been *waiting* (perhaps Bill would say "champing at the bit") to get to it. Whew.
I need to look it up again but didn't they spend three days trying to get the shard out of Frodo? I don't have the timeline fresh in mind at the moment. (Don't have anything fresh in mind, actually. Off to bed, the pillow's calling...)
Baggins Babe
· 30 October 2009
· Chapter 42: We arrive... at my new home?
Oh goodness! I thought I had reviewed this the other day but apparently not.
Bill is such a hobbity pony and is beginning to sound like Sam. I also love the way he refers to 'my hobbits.' Bless!
An, that lovely warm, comforting stable with the soft sounds of horses' breathing and yes, there is always one having a munch! I am so glad that Bill has finally reached Rivendell and I hope he is reunited with his hobbits soon.
Author's reply
Well, thank you for dropping by and making sure! How the Muse adores reviews... it makes the writing flow much more smoothly, somehow.
I hope he's reunited with his hobbits soon, too, but I fear there is something of a long, anxious wait in store, at least for the hobbits.
Thanks!
cookiefleck
· 26 October 2009
· Chapter 42: We arrive... at my new home?
"There is a smell of warm, sleepy horses, and the sound of soft breathing."
Your writing is so poetic at times... such a delight. I remember making the same comment about one of the earlier chapters... will have to go back and find that one and re-read.
I loved the way you showed the trust building in this chapter as Bill crossed the bridge. And a surprising ending that felt different, more somber. I guess I was feeling a foreshadowing of the sad time when Bill and the Fellowship are permanently separated on the quest.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, describing things like a sleep-drenched stables brings back warm memories, and it seems easy to wax poetic at such times.
You're right, it could be a foreshadowing of sorts. Poor ponies, their lives can be so quickly unsettled, and no way, really, to explain things to them and be sure they are understanding (or perhaps, listening at all).
Thanks!
harrowcat
· 26 October 2009
· Chapter 42: We arrive... at my new home?
I would bristle at his words, but I am too busy with remaining steady, if you take my meaning.
I love how Bill is sounding a lot like Sam here.
Very ponyish this whole chapter. :) and a nice change of mood at the very end.
Author's reply
The more he's in Sam's company, the more Sam seems to rub off on him. I'm sure that's part of the reason why he went with the Company when they started off again.
Thanks!
Larner
· 26 October 2009
· Chapter 42: We arrive... at my new home?
Ah--a sweet arrival and such gentle and welcome handling for our faithful Bill! And am so glad he is already seeking the scent of his Samwise! A most wise and faithful animal!
Author's reply
Very faithful, but worried, too... his kindred spirit is not to be found! (Though he's about to have a great deal of his mind taken off his worries.)
Thanks,
Jean
shirebound
· 25 October 2009
· Chapter 42: We arrive... at my new home?
There is a smell of warm, sleepy horses, and the sound of soft breathing. A munching comes from somewhere, someone's late-night snack of hay.
Yay, at last! I'm so happy for him. This is a very gentle and tender chapter.
Author's reply
I just love a barn in the early hours, so quiet and sleepy. Even if it's frosty outside, the horses give off a lot of warmth, and no matter what hour I've been visiting, even if nearly everyone is asleep, there's usually someone wakeful enough to grab a few mouthfuls of hay before going back to sleep. Such a homey medley of sound, the chomping, the soft breathing, a quiet snort, the bumping of a hoof against the boards as a horse changes position...
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 25 October 2009
· Chapter 42: We arrive... at my new home?
Awww...poor Bill! Thinking he's lost his Sam! And having to cross that dreadful bridge, too!
I have really been enjoying these chapters of "just Bill" as we get to know him a bit better, and not just his better known two-legged companions...
Author's reply
A dreadful bridge, indeed. When I refreshed my memory, reading "The Hobbit", I was surprised that the dwarf ponies weren't more upset at the time. But then, perhaps they had not been so sheltered (or maybe the word is "provincial") as our Bill?
I'm glad you're enjoying "just Bill" as I have the idea he won't see much of his companions over the next few days, poor lad.
Thanks!
Elena Tiriel
· 10 October 2009
· Chapter 41: I follow after
Oh, dear.... I actually *felt* Bill's exhaustion as he went along, foot by weary foot. And, like him, I perked up when he got to safety....
Very well done, Lindelea!
- Barbara
Author's reply
Thank you!
I am so happy to get Bill to safety, food, and rest at last.
Larner
· 10 October 2009
· Chapter 41: I follow after
Oh, Lindelea--how glad I am that Bill, too, is finally finding the succor he so needs. And love that he's welcomed in the same way the Dwarves were so long before! Hooray!
Author's reply
I just could not resist including a reference to Bilbo's song... I wonder if Bill's guide was one of those up a tree, long before Bill was born, perhaps having imbibed too much Dorwinian Wine? *g*
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 10 October 2009
· Chapter 41: I follow after
Oh, what a beautiful chapter!
It's fascinating to me, how you can evoke the natural beauty and wonder of Imladris somehow filtered through a pony's POV and senses, so that Bill comes across as rather poetic for a pony, and yet a pony nonetheless. (Perhaps something he's picked up from his Sam?)
Author's reply
Perhaps because I am drawing on such a beautiful and poetic original source.
Perhaps Bill has picked it up from his Sam, indeed. But I also think that his implicit simplicity and deep thought (for a pony) adds to his poetic tone.
Author Reply: p.s. Thanks!
harrowcat
· 10 October 2009
· Chapter 41: I follow after
I love the detail you put in about ponies drinking too much too quickly and the elvish song as Bilbo came to the Valley.
Bill is lucky to have such a guide. Still loving every word of this.
Author's reply
Thank you! Ponies (and horses) are not too wise when it comes to their bellies, I'm afraid.
I am glad to give Bill an Elf for a guide, someone who knows the value of time, when to hurry, and when not to.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 10 October 2009
· Chapter 41: I follow after
Behold; here we are at last.
Yay, I'm as relieved as Bill! Finally our wonderful pony will find rest and care and sweet, plentiful food.
Author's reply
At last, it will be a time of rest (though at times some bewilderment and wonder, too) for Bill. He's earned it.
Thanks!
Baggins Babe
· 20 September 2009
· Chapter 40: Surrounded, and then left behind
Poor weary Bill - I am so glad the Elves left one of their number to bring our faithful pony to Rivendell.
Bill has certainly had an eventful time since leaving Bree but he seems to be as keen on the Elves as Sam!
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Yes, I think he is as keen on the Elves as Sam. After all, if Sam thinks something is wondrous, Bill is sure to follow. (And the same with things that Sam doesn't like. Bill certainly trusts his judgment!) Well, he has a nice rest coming now...
Thanks!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 40: Surrounded, and then left behind
I'm glad poor Bill wasn't left alone when they arrived at Immladris, and love the wonderful, reassuring welcome he received. Was it one of the twins? Elrohir, I hope!
Author's reply
Elrohir would be the logical one, if it was one of the twins. I think his name has something to do with horses, doesn't it?
The Muse, however, is strangely quiet on the matter, having given me a physical description (including aroma) and very little else for the moment.
Thanks!
harrowcat
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 40: Surrounded, and then left behind
Oh poor Bill. I am glad that there is one who understands and can be understood.
I liked the foot by foot reference.
And poor Bill, little does he know now that in the future will be another time of long effort, fear and poor food.
Now you are making me wonder why Bill ends up back at Bree rather than Rivendell.
Author's reply
Yes, I was thinking of Pippin coaxing Merry along when I wrote that. Poor Bill, and yet he is only a pony and lives mostly in the moment, so he will truly savour the joy of being in Rivendell, and perhaps even better than the hobbits.
Hopefully you'll understand his ending up in Bree as the story unfolds.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 40: Surrounded, and then left behind
Aw...so sweet, for poor Bill to finally be getting a bit of "c" himself! He's really worked so hard thus far.
Is this dark-haired Elf Elrohiri? or some other Elf of Rivendell? I'm quite curious about him. But most of all, I'm happy that Bill will be safe and comfortable finally.
Author's reply
It would be lovely if the Elf was Elrohir, but the Muse seems to be thinking along another line, another backstory springing into place, a young Elf who marched behind Gil-Galad to the South and lived many adventures after, who in these latter days has chosen, instead of a place at the high table with the other Elf-lords, a humble place of service, the healing warmth of the sun on drying hay, the snuffle of a velvety muzzle on the palm of the hand, the subtle contentment of watching dust motes floating in a sunbeam in a quiet stable, where the only noise is the chomping of the horses on their grain, the occasional desultory thud of a hoof against the boards as a horse shifts its weight... very restful and healing.
Thanks!
Author Reply: (meaning that when he was young he marched to the battle, not that he's young now)
shirebound
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 40: Surrounded, and then left behind
"Safe home..." And so it shall be, for a little while. I'm happy dear Bill and our weary, grieving hobbits will soon be in Rivendell.
Author's reply
Yes, very soon. According to The Hobbit it took Gandalf and the dwarves and their Burglar from morning until nearly sunset to travel from the Ford to the Valley. Bill's probably travelling as slowly as they did--while his guide knows the way, and doesn't have to search for half-buried white stone markers, the poor pony is indeed very weary.
Thanks!
Larner
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 40: Surrounded, and then left behind
One of the twins left to bring him along. How wonderful that they leave one particularly for him, and at such a moment!
Author's reply
Well, it might have been one of the twins. I pondered this a long time, wondering who would be left holding the pony, for there's no way Bill could keep up, but he mustn't be left behind, either, on an unfamiliar road.
This particular Elf-warrior, though, seems to me to have been around for a long time. I think he might even have marched to the South upon a time, as part of a Grand Alliance. He's older than he looks (obviously) and while he's proficient with the sword (long years of practice, and lately there's been more reason for that), his taste lies more in the line of hayfields and horses these days.