The Tenth Walker by Lindelea
shirebound · 20 September 2007 · Chapter 15: We cross the Last Bridge
Ohhh, I just can't wait until sweet Bill gets to Rivendell, with all the comfort, food, and grooming such a loyal pony deserves.
Author's reply
Nor can I! Mmm, lush, long, green grass to roll in, and graze to his heart's content...
Istarnië · 20 September 2007 · Chapter 1: We take our leave of Bree
I love this tale - it is so captivating to read an account from the real tenth walker's point of view. The first feelings I had with this particular chapter were ones of saddness at the plight of so many animals, reminisent of my first reading of 'Black Beauty' as a child. 'Steady, lad,' she said, and her voice was so very sad it startled me, and dim memory rose of happier days by the side of my dam, my days of training under the gentle hands and kind voice of an old man..' You have portrayed the contrasting cruelty and kindness of folk so well here - albeit the kindness of the old woman was small - it was very meaningful. And although it *was* a waste of an apple, I am so glad Sam retaliated to the 'old misery' the way he did. I wish I was a faster reader - but I like to savour each chapter like a jucy apple as I go. Istarnië
Author's reply
Well, as Bill would say, "slow but steady will arrive in good time". Not that I'm sure what he means, but he knows what he means, at least. I admit to being heavily influenced by "Black Beauty" and "Beautiful Joe" as a child. The old woman with the carrot is sort of inspired by a scene I still remember from "Black Beauty", in point of fact. The nicest part (for me, I admit) of your savouring each chapter slowly is that I am greatly enjoying your comments. Thanks!
Istarnië · 17 September 2007 · Chapter 0: Prologue
Hello Lindelea! I have never read anything from Bill's point of view before. The concept initially sounded interesting, and reading your prologue has only made me more interested. I really enjoyed it; particularly the very 'horsey' way of thinking, and the developing feeling of kinship with Sam. I don't read particularly fast because of other commitments, but I will try to follow this story as an 11th walker. ;-) Thank you for such an unusual and interesting read. Istarnië
Author's reply
Hello! Am glad you're joining the walk. Thanks for taking the time to drop a note!
Larner · 14 September 2007 · Chapter 14: We climb a long rise and contemplate the Road once more
Yes, they will be fortunate; but they are now not so far from Glorfindel's aid, which they need desperately! Soon! Love the thought of ponies counting to four and no further! Wise pony, this one.
Author's reply
Yes, definitely! Noro lim, Asfaloth! (don't know if I misspoke just now; I typed that from memory. Perhaps I just ordered oysters on the half shell...) Got to go tuck littles into bed now, or I'd say more. Am weary and wandering (i.e. longwinded) tonight).
Anonymous · 14 September 2007 · Chapter 14: We climb a long rise and contemplate the Road once more
So pleased to see this story again. It's definitely one of my favourites, so well written. Excellent!
Author's reply
Thanks!
Althea · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 14: We climb a long rise and contemplate the Road once more
I'm so happy that you have continued Bill's story. I thinks it's wonderful that he has come to think of the hobbits as his.
Author's reply
Thanks! I've known a pony that followed "his" family around like a great big shaggy dog...
Jay of Lasgalen · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 14: We climb a long rise and contemplate the Road once more
I'm glad to see this updated - and I just love Bill's method of counting! (It reminds me of Tery Pratchett's character Detritus the Troll: one, two, many, lots Jay
Author's reply
Detritus the Troll... what movie was that? (Great name for a troll) Y'know, I've seen enough people counting fingers, I figure Bill might count *something*. Hoofs, perhaps. We had a dog that could count, once. You put so many treats in her bowl... she'd wait until there were the exact number, and no fewer, before she'd stop nudging for more. Thanks!
harrowcat · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 14: We climb a long rise and contemplate the Road once more
Seemless weaving of Tolkien and Lindelea! Poor Bill, hard climbing to come if I remember the route correctly!
Author's reply
Thanks! And yes, you do remember correctly.
Anonymous · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 14: We climb a long rise and contemplate the Road once more
Just found this story- I really like it! Unique perspective, and I love how you wove in the quotations, they fit in seamlessly.
Author's reply
Glad to have you along for the journey! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 14: We climb a long rise and contemplate the Road once more
Oh poor Bill! I love his counting by his feet, LOL! Of course, they are now "his" poor hobbits! He seems to be a rather possessive pony! I love the way the others are taking such good care of Frodo, and Bill's noticing it. Pretty soon--stone-trolls and an Elf and Asfaloth! You know, I was rereading a bit of this yesterday, and wishing for an update!
Author's reply
Well, we aim to please! Glad the Muse got your wish. (Must be telepathy.) Bill is definitely possessive of those who rescued him out of his awful situation; he's not going to let them get away, at least, not easily. *sigh* How I wish I could be at the Moot!
shirebound · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 14: We climb a long rise and contemplate the Road once more
Ohhh, sweet patient, dear Bill. He's as sturdy and resilient as his companions.
Author's reply
Yes, he's (I think this is the right term) a brick!
Daynawayna · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 13: We cross the Road into a wild and pathless land
Oh.My.Gawd. I LOVE THIS!!! You are absolutely BRILLIANT Lindelea! I'm so in love with this story and Bill the Pony and... and.... squeeee! :) Poor Pip is now Marsh-and-Mischief! LOL love it! And I think my FAVORITE thing is this: Still, I follow as best I can, and such is the power of the song that images form before my eyes and dance in my imagination. You smile—imagination! In a pony! But I assure you, ponies have wonderful imagination. Too wonderful, sometimes, transforming a blowing bedsheet into a ravening monster... Do you work with horses or just study really well? I've seen a horse training video and they talk about how horses can freak out at "billowing sheets" (Or in this case, the flapping tarp on a truck), so when I read that, it really struck true with me. OMG this is AWESOME! More more more!! :)
Author's reply
I was a horse freak all my life, until I got a horse. LOL! Found out the hard way, but learned an awful lot about horse quirks and horse training! Not able to ride anymore (knees are shot) but miss that feeling of being one with the horse. *sigh* Lovely, floating, flying feeling. And horses certainly have personalities of their own... Thanks! With such encouragement I ought to be able to convince the Muse to smile a bit more often.
Daynawayna · 20 June 2007 · Chapter 3: We enter the pathless wilderness, no longer on solid ground
I am SO loving this story! Talk about Horse Sense! ROFLOL! I love your characterzation of Bill.. such a pragmatic pony! I love him! And I'm SO looking forward to the rest of the story! Some of my fave Bill-isms: his misery not his master don't judge a book by its cover (horses read? LOL) I like how you covered that: him eating the book in the field! LOL Young Apples-and-Mischief: PERFECT for Pip! LOVE it! :) OK.. off to read more! :)
Author's reply
LOL! It is fun to try to see through a pony's eyes... (smell through a pony's nose? hear through a pony's ears?) Author Reply: p.s. thanks!
Daynawayna · 20 June 2007 · Chapter 0: Prologue
I can tell I'm really going to like this story, Lindelea! I've been meaning to read it for a while now, but sadly pushed it off... until now. I can't wait to play Catch Up! :) Dayna
Author's reply
Well, thanks! Glad to hear from you!
Queen Galadriel · 19 June 2007 · Chapter 13: We cross the Road into a wild and pathless land
Reviewing two chapters here. What with school and such I didn't realize I'd missed ch. 12. I love Bill's observations about how the Hobbits' moods have changed. He's very perceptive. :) And his determination to conquer his own fear/weariness and not let Frodo fall no matter what is so sweet. *hugs Bill* :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
And of course with chapters coming so far apart, it's easy to miss one. (BTDT) *Bill rubs his jaw along Queen Galadriel's shoulder, making her giggle at the tickling sensation of his whiskers on her neck*
Baggins Babe · 19 June 2007 · Chapter 13: We cross the Road into a wild and pathless land
Oh yes, medicinal plants are often very pungent - poor Bill will be tasting it for days! He is such a brave and faithful pony, and a very perceptive one. I'm eager to see his reaction to Asfaloth.
Author's reply
LOL, I'll have to put that in, about him tasting athelas for days! Asfaloth... ought to be interesting. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 19 June 2007 · Chapter 13: We cross the Road into a wild and pathless land
Lin, this is so wonderfully atmospheric! Poor Bill, poor hobbits, poor Strider! I can just imagine the fear and wariness as you've described it. I do look forward, though to Bill meeting Asfaloth!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, a pony's impressions would be atmospheric, wouldn't they! Much more sound, smell, feel, and taste-driven than couched in mere words. Ah, yes, Asfaloth! I wonder if he's ever made the acquaintance of a Bree-pony before?
shirebound · 19 June 2007 · Chapter 13: We cross the Road into a wild and pathless land
‘Sorry, old fellow. There’ll be sweet, long grass where we’re going. Think on that, and keep your spirits up, for we’re counting on you, you know.’ Ohhh, I can't wait for us to reach that sweet, long grass, and neither can Bill. :)
Author's reply
Y'know, I wrote Bill's introduction to Rivendell more than a year ago, and it's still sitting on my hard drive. I am so looking forward to getting there!
harrowcat · 19 June 2007 · Chapter 13: We cross the Road into a wild and pathless land
At last - something that the miracle cure-all plant isn't good for! *g* Thank you for describing it correctly Lindelea. Every time I see the scene in the movie where Strider finds athelas, is caught by Arwen and then 'chews' those small leaves before plastering them on Frodo's shoulders I wince! I understand the theory of bruising and wetting the leaves to make a green plaster but the prof describes Athelas and how it is used so carefully. And I do love your faithful Bill!
Author's reply
You're welcome! Healing herbs, in my admittedly limited experience, have a strong taste, and not all of them are pleasant to the tongue. Faithful Bill--he does his best.
Larner · 19 June 2007 · Chapter 13: We cross the Road into a wild and pathless land
Poor Bill--everything tends to taste of athelas, eh, now he's tried a leaf? Poor pony! But he knows that Aragorn cares, and senses Frodo's increased failing, and is still steadfast and as determined to do his part as the rest of them. Am SO glad Bill nudged at your elbow today. Am in Gresham now. Look forward to meeting the Writing Companion.
Author's reply
The Writing Companion is in place at my feet, snoring gently, waiting for the magic word that begins with "W" and involves a leash. It's sort of like cilantro--when I get some of that in food, everything I eat afterwards tastes like soap. I read back through the story this morning, to re-acquaint myself, and was taken with what good care Strider was taking of the pony, from the time they set out from Bree. Might be just practical, for the pony needs to stay well to be a good pack-pony, but I'd like to think Aragorn has a special understanding with animals, perhaps partly born from his long association with Elves.
Bodkin · 4 October 2006 · Chapter 12: We elect to leave the dell
I love Bill's determination not to let Frodo fall. And the image of Sam under a whole removal van full of stuff.
Author's reply
LOL, now *I* have an image of Sam under a whole removal van full of stuff!
demeter d · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 12: We elect to leave the dell
Lovely! Happy memories for Bil,, just like for the people who are helped by the athelas.Interesting seeing Bills's perceptions of everyone.
Author's reply
Thank you! Bill's quite an intelligent pony, after all, and as ponies are imaginative creatures (they can imagine that a blowing piece of paper is a ravening monster, for example), I can see him responding to athelas the way he did.
demeter d · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 11: We are overcome on Weathertop
Animals do seem to have a sense for something bad being near. I could really feel poor bill's fear!
Author's reply
Oops, missed this one. Ponies, being prey animals, seem especially alert to the possibility of danger. Thanks!
Baggins Babe · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 12: We elect to leave the dell
Poor Bill, knocking himself out in his desperation to escape. I loved the description of the effects of athelas on the pony, and Bill's thoughts on the hobbits after their terrifying encounter were fascinating. He really is a dear, and so gentle with Master.
Author's reply
Thank you. I do like JRRT's description of him at Weathertop: "the poor beast had improved wonderfully; it already seemed fatter and stronger, and had begun to show an affection for its new masters, especially for Sam."
Inkling · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 12: We elect to leave the dell
Poor Bill! Every time he tries to communicate with his companions, they think his goal is food. Lovely chapter.
Author's reply
Well, so often his goal is food, I guess they're to be forgiven. They don't call horses and ponies "hay burners" for no good reason. Thanks!