The Tenth Walker by Lindelea
Dinosiel · 9 September 2006 · Chapter 9: We explore a grassy hollow
I think its such a good idea to tell this part from the ponys point of view. Your fan always, Dinosiel
Author's reply
Awwww. How sweet of you to stop by and take time to leave a review. *hugs*
demeter d · 7 September 2006 · Chapter 9: We explore a grassy hollow
Perhaps they will have to eat on the way... how different the story would have turned out if they had! Bill has such good sense. he looks for the good grass, the sweet water, a bit of shelter, the really important things. It really will be interesting to see Bill's view of the attack.
Author's reply
I think Strider made the best choice in a difficult situation. Sure wish Gandalf was there with them, though, when the Black Riders attacked. Poor Bill. I'm afraid, being merely a pony, he's about to be frightened out of his gourd. (in a manner of speaking) Thanks!
Queen Galadriel · 5 September 2006 · Chapter 9: We explore a grassy hollow
Ha ha! Pip never wants to do the work, does he? I seem to remember nearer the beginning of the journey, Frodo getting after him for teasing Sam and then making him fetch the water. Well, he got his desserts! :) I love Bill's remark that food tastes just the same wherever you eat it! This pony has true common sense! LOL! Ooo, it's getting closer... I can't wait to see Bill's thoughts on Weathertop and onward. I know he'll be frightened by the Nazgul, but the change in Frodo begins here, and though I've always found it really sad, a pony's perspective would be interesting. I just love this! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Where was that, the bit about Frodo making Pippin fetch the water? I'd love to read that. Haven't quite got to the attack of the Nazgul but we're getting closer. Thanks!
Bodkin · 5 September 2006 · Chapter 9: We explore a grassy hollow
Oh dear. I suspect evidence of boots is not a good thing to find. But at least the grass is sweet.
Author's reply
We must take our blessings as they come, and sweet grass is nothing to turn your nose up at (at least, if you're a pony). Thanks!
cookiefleck · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 9: We explore a grassy hollow
Bill is so sweet! *Worries about Sam and Pippin... not like Sam to forego making the meal when it's expected*
Author's reply
Well, Strider does say something in the chapter about everyone feeling more tense, and that's a sign of the Black Riders' approach. So maybe you're right to be worried. Thanks!
harrowcat · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 9: We explore a grassy hollow
So.. the travellers arrive at Weathertop do they? And Pipin and Sam tram all over the footprints! How much they must have learned from Strider the Ranger by the time they got home again. I do love Bill's names for them all.
Author's reply
Yes, they've arrived at Weathertop. And you know, I always had the impression that they were attacked on top of the hill. It was only in reading and re-reading to write this story that I understood the geography a little better, and figured out what the dell might have been like. Thanks!
Larner · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 9: We explore a grassy hollow
Yes, even Bill is aware of who is Master among these four. And we explore the hollow with Sam and Pippin, and see Merry's concern for Frodo's continued safety again. Lovely chapter, Lindelea. Will be in town this evening.
Author's reply
It was so nice to spend an hour... though an hour is too short. Wish my schedule hadn't been so jammed that week. Still, I hope you made it back safely and are back in your routine. (Thinking good thoughts in your direction.)
Dreamflower · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 9: We explore a grassy hollow
Oh, I do love the way you are fleshing out the bare bones the Professor gave us. And I like the way Bill's loyalties have become firmly fixed. If Sam doesn't like bridges, neither does he--whatever they are, LOL! And it makes sense that Sam and Pippin would also have come across the signs of Gandalf! Very well done!
Author's reply
Animals and their loyalties are interesting to contemplate. They are so fierce and unwavering in their devotion. They can be distracted (thinking of a beloved labrador being wooed away with pizza), but they usually come back fairly quickly. Thanks!
shirebound · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 9: We explore a grassy hollow
Oh dear oh dear, such a gentle, calm respite before... other things start happening. *frets*
Author's reply
*soothes shirebound and offers a share of sugar* (bill's suggestion, usually works for him)
Pipkin Sweetgrass · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 7: We continue towards Weathertop
Ah, I loved it! Marsh and mischief, indeed. I love what you've done with this. Makes me so proud to know you, prouder still to have you as my beta reader! And no, I don't think I came up with the term "Harvestmath", I'm almost certain I found the reference at The Thain's Book, an exellent site. As usual, your voice is exellent and very canon, and Bill's observations are entirely sweet and very....um...equine!
Author's reply
Thank you! (very belated reply, sorry) I am very much looking forward to the new chapter, and hope you're feeling better. It is interesting to try to imagine everything from such an alternative viewpoint.
Bodkin · 1 September 2006 · Chapter 8: Six days out from Bree; we reach the feet of the western slopes and travel on
‘Don’t stop!’ Merry says, and I obediently snatch another mouthful, to oblige him. Such a pony attitude! And at least Bill won't end up in Mordor. Not that that moment before Moria will be too good for him.
Author's reply
LOL! (belated reply) Poor Bill. Still, a moment before Moria is worth multiple imaginings of Mordor, I suppose.
Queen Galadriel · 31 August 2006 · Chapter 8: Six days out from Bree; we reach the feet of the western slopes and travel on
Oh, I love it! Bill's logic is great, and I love his names for the Hobbits! :) The depth is complimented by the moments of humour, and it's obvious that loves all his new masters, particularly Sam, his chief master. And it's so cute that Pippin rolled with him! *grin* That little moment when Frodo spoke to Bill (or perhaps to himself) of Bag End was very touching. I'm excited for more now! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thanks! Welcome! Glad to have you along for the journey.
Dreamflower · 31 August 2006 · Chapter 8: Six days out from Bree; we reach the feet of the western slopes and travel on
What a delightful chapter! Bill has such a wonderful sense of things beyond his ken--whether he *knows* or not, he *smells* the possibilities. And there were some delightfully funny bits: “Cooking fires” my mother told me, though I never understood why one would want to cook a fire. It seems most indigestible a thing to my sensibilities. I lose interest, and drop my head to take a few mouthfuls of grass, as long as we are walking so slowly. ‘Don’t stop!’ Merry says, and I obediently snatch another mouthful, to oblige him. ‘That’s all I know,’ my Sam says, and I realise that the Merry-hobbit was not talking to me. No harm done. Another mouthful will suit me fine, and another... ‘Going to Mordor! I hope it won’t come to that!’ the young marsh-stinking hobbit cries out, much too loudly for my taste. The scanty morning birdsong falls abruptly silent. ‘Do not speak that name so loudly!’ the Big Man says, and I give the young hobbit a nudge in the middle of the pack on his back that sends him sprawling. ‘Hi!’ young marsh-stinking hobbit protests. ‘I wasn’t the first to bring it up!’ ‘Do be the last, will you?’ not-so-Merry hisses, hunching his shoulders and peering about us. I really like the way Bill punctuates the canon dialogue, LOL!
Author's reply
LOL, it is quite a lot of fun to give Bill a "voice" in the conversation. (And such a long nose ought to be good for something!)
Jay of Lasgalen · 31 August 2006 · Chapter 8: Six days out from Bree; we reach the feet of the western slopes and travel on
I love this story. Bill has got such a wonderful, unique voice. I liked the bit where he was wondering why anyone would cook a fire - lovely pony logic! Poor Bill is going to be frightened out of his harnesss when the Nazgul arrive :( Jay
Author's reply
I'm afraid you're right. It's amazing he didn't run away, considering all the horses and ponies in Bree ran away, and Bill was the only one who couldn't, trapped in his stall, I suppose, and no ill hand to open his door to let him run away. I find ponies eminently literal. If not always reasonable. (A-a-a-a-ah! It's a monster! (It's a piece of blowing paper.) It's going to EAT me! (It's blowing across the path.) Run away! (It's gone. Look. It's gone.) Run away!)
harrowcat · 31 August 2006 · Chapter 8: Six days out from Bree; we reach the feet of the western slopes and travel on
Oh this is brilliant Lindelea even though I feel a little like Bill myself - snatching a read or two when I can which, between patiently waiting for author updates and having a dodgy internet connection, isn't as often as I would like! But then, like Bill, I, too, can be very greedy! “Cooking fires” my mother told me, though I never understood why one would want to cook a fire. It seems most indigestible a thing to my sensibilities. This is hilarious! *wanders off trying to picture how to cook a fire* ...hm..first put your fire in a dish of water....no that won't work. Too wet!.....Place fire in frying pan.....
Author's reply
Dratted internet. KWYM. Mine keeps kicking the computer offline at the most inconvenient moments. If you figure out how to cook a fire, let me know and I'll pass it on to my furry friend.
cookiefleck · 31 August 2006 · Chapter 8: Six days out from Bree; we reach the feet of the western slopes and travel on
"And then my Sam begins to murmur, and the others walk in silence, spellbound." I loved this line. Good story, great POV idea, can't wait to see what happens.
Author's reply
Thanks! This story is my release-valve, of sorts, when I get frustrated with the other writing. Ponies are so literal and down-to-earth.
Larner · 30 August 2006 · Chapter 8: Six days out from Bree; we reach the feet of the western slopes and travel on
Poor Bill--he's coming to understand far too much of what is intended. Now, to see his feelings after the knife was applied in the dark. The care he showed to Frodo always impressed me.
Author's reply
Bill is very bright, for a pony. And he had a wise old mother, and he listened to her, though he didn't always understand what she was talking about. You know, the care he showed to Frodo is what sparked this story in the first place...
shirebound · 30 August 2006 · Chapter 8: Six days out from Bree; we reach the feet of the western slopes and travel on
And then my Sam begins to murmur, and the others walk in silence, spellbound. That's so lovely. And I'm starting to get very nerrrrvous as they approach Weathertop.
Author's reply
I'm getting nervous, too. Bill isn't mentioned at all during the incident, so I have to figure out just what he was doing... Sheesh.
Bodkin · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 7: We continue towards Weathertop
I love young marsh-stinking hobbit's devotion to lightening his cousin's mood! Exactly why he is a part of the team!
Author's reply
Exactly. Chief officer in charge of morale, and that sort of thing. (Court jester? Troll slayer-in-training?)
harrowcat · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 7: We continue towards Weathertop
Sorry this is late *comes running up and puffs along behind Bill*!!! It is great to see the hobbits being slightly more light-hearted. Sorry that Strider has to be stern, 'but there, perhaps {he} knows more about these things than {they} do.' Loved the song. Got a tune?
Author's reply
Yes, as a matter of fact, both songs have tunes... can't seem to help myself there. A song pops into my head and takes up residence for days. Glad to see you, sorry it is taking so long in between updates. Author Reply: The problem is, I don't have a website at the moment where I can park the midi files. Drat. (And don't know how long the midi files in "Shire Songbook" will remain where they are. That avenue is, if not closed, rapidly closing.)
demeter d · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 7: We continue towards Weathertop
The harvest song is lovely, so very hobbitty. Some cheerful, light moments before things become dark. Very nice.
Author's reply
Thanks! I just realised today that Pipkin Sweetgrass had a harvest song in her latest (soon to be published) chapter of The Bee Charmer and I might well have got the idea in my head from reading that! (Though thankfully I didn't unconsciously plagarise (don't know if that's spelled right)--the songs are completely different. Whew.)
Elemmírë · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 7: We continue towards Weathertop
the Master strides along as if his burden has grown suddenly lighter. He carries no burden that I can see, beyond his pack, and my Samwise bears twice as much, I’m sure, but sometimes these things are beyond the understanding of a simple pony. I know that all the others look after him, as if he’s someone of importance, but he bears himself as if he’s just anyone. He’s Master, and yet he doesn’t swagger about as my old misery did. I’d scratch my head, to help myself in my thinking, as my Samwise does, but I must be contented instead to shake my mane and swish my tail. What a lovely description from Bill's POV. I'm always glad to read more of this tale, Lindelea, and I await their arrival to Weathertop. :D
Author's reply
Well, they've finally arrived at the line of hills, and are soon to reach Weathertop, I think, unless JRRT has thrown in a lot of description and narrative between here and there. No time to read ahead tonight. Thanks!
Larner · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 7: We continue towards Weathertop
I hate to see Strider being a wet blanket, but agree he knows far too much of what the wraiths actually are and what Frodo might well become. And love to see Frodo being Frodo--humble and yet the center of all the concern, and looking beautiful indeed when he smiles.
Author's reply
Poor Strider. Do you suppose he's had lots of practice, being a wet blanket? (After all, he's a friend of Bilbo's. These aren't the first hobbits of his acquaintance.) Ah, Frodo. Such a character as JRRT wrote, in the book. I must admit the movie Frodo disappointed me a bit, in his fragility and timidity.
Larner · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 6: We make our way towards Weathertop
And Pippin himself rolls with Bill in the grass, does he? Bill must be fully interested in what these four and their companion will do next? And Strider has a bit of "wild pony" about him, does he? Nice imagery there.
Author's reply
Hah, missed replying to this review. You're in town now, eh? Looking forward to hearing from you. Don't have a car today, but you're welcome for tea if you're free.
Dreamflower · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 7: We continue towards Weathertop
Oh Lin! Another of your lovely Shire songs! Is that all of the verses? And I love the one at the end, as well--I'd like to see the rest of that one too! *pretty please?* So nice to see these travellers enjoying themselves just a bit before the you-know-what hits the fan. There'll be precious little joy for days on end, after that...*sigh* Pippin (young marsh-and-mischief) is of course intent on cheering Frodo, but naturally he's cheering everyone else as well with his good-nature--including poor old Bill. I loved Bill's observations of Strider. And the way you wove in the dialogue from the book was very natural and well-done.
Author's reply
Thanks! This is one of those songs that has as many verses as the singers care to make up on the spot. There's a tune, too, but I don't have posting privileges any more at the website where the others were uploaded. *sigh* The one at the end... the sort you probably don't sing in mixed company! *snork* Appreciate the good words. I like to weave the dialogue in so that it's not jarring for the reader. Perhaps it's a little of Bilbo's game in Rivendell, wanting the Elves to guess which parts were his and which were Strider's. (And I so well remember Estel's words: If you have the cheek to make up verses about Earendil in the House of Elrond... Sheesh. Guess I'm cheeky.)