The Tenth Walker by Lindelea
Hit and Run Reviewer · 3 July 2005 · Chapter 1: We take our leave of Bree
Glad to see the update. Glad to know I was good for something... But not a sip of water for the poor sweat-soaked pony pulling the sledge! Husband bellyached those very words to me yesterday while cleaning out the barn. Thanks for the chapter!
Author's reply
Sounds as if you ought to give the old pony at least a sip of water! Thanks!
Armariel · 3 July 2005 · Chapter 1: We take our leave of Bree
Straight from the horse's mouth--I like this! Nice gift for Bill to leave Ferny. *offers Bill a big juicy apple*
Author's reply
Bill takes the big juicy apple and nods his head in appreciation, eyes half-closed in his bliss, as he crunches away.
Julie · 3 July 2005 · Chapter 1: We take our leave of Bree
I'm really enjoying this story from Bill's POV immensely! I love his little farewell present. LOL! Looking forward to reading more soon--I'm eagerly awaiting his POV when he has to carry poor Frodo.
Author's reply
Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, his thoughts on having to carry poor Frodo are in an upcoming chapter.
Bodkin · 3 July 2005 · Chapter 1: We take our leave of Bree
And my old woman from Archet is there, smiling in the midst of the wondering faces. This is a hard world in which to be old and powerless. I'm glad she saw Bill find a better home. And I'm glad that Sam throws a mean apple.
Author's reply
Yes, Sam throws quicker than a man can duck. Says something for hobbits and their aim. I think the Bill's "old woman" ought to have a touching reunion with the "old" pony later in the story, don't you?
Dreamflower · 2 July 2005 · Chapter 1: We take our leave of Bree
Oh, poor Bill! Such a miserable life he had with Ferny, before the Travellers came along and saved him from it. This is so much fun!
Author's reply
Poor old Bill. It's a good thing he's not all that old; I figure he's only about four or so. He's going to need his strength and wits!
Hit and Run Reviewer · 2 July 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue
I'm a sucker for a Tenth Walker fic. This one didn't disappoint.
Author's reply
"Hit and Run Reviewer", what a name! You have given me a chuckle today, thanks. Glad you're not disappointed. Your review came in just as I was trying to decide which story to update, so you can take some credit for the next chapter being added today to this one.
Anso the Hobbit · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue
Of course Bill understands! :) I like this! Sam is a bit like a pony, isn`t he? Sturdy and trustworthy and working hard without complaining. No wonder the pony feels a bit of kinship with him. :)
Author's reply
Oh, I'm glad you like it! Yes, I do think Sam is a bit like a pony, and he and Bill certainly strike up a friendship, from what I see in the book. Thanks!
Larner · 17 June 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue
Ah, very good tale from Bill's point of view. Happy, groomed, cared for for a time, with two at least who seek to give him as much as they can, considering the circumstances. And the fellow-feeling with Sam, and the identification with him as a possible fellow pony is wonderful.
Author's reply
Ah, thank you. Bill is sort of an offshoot of a joke of sorts, from a couple of years back, when I was tormenting Jodancingtree by writing snippets of a story in reviews of one of her stories, life as seen through the eyes of Pippin's pony Socks. That one never got published, but a second series of story snippets, while I was reviewing another of her stories, became "Going, Going, Gone". Yup, Sam is a wonder. Practically equine sometimes, that lad.
Inkling · 17 June 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue
Another one!? Your muse is really on a roll, Lin! As I've said before, you write faster than I read. Well, I will try to keep up with this one too as I have a soft spot for ponies... The title makes me chuckle...this is a "Tenth Walker" story of a different color...sort of a "Pony Sue," you might say.
Author's reply
My Muse hates to finish things, and coming to the end of a story drives her to distraction. (Have nearly finished "Healer's Tale", and we are also working steadily towards the end of the re-creation of "Thain".) Thus it is a distraction to give voice to a new story. It freshens things somehow and makes it less distressing to be coming to an end somewhere else. Bless you for trying to keep up! (Used to be worse. When I had pneumonia and couldn't sleep, I was posting a couple of chapters a day.) And thanks!
esamen · 16 June 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue
Awww! So sweet! I think this must be my favorite of all the "Bill" stories. I was hoping that the Master would make his appearance. Weary, but noble as always. . . that's my blue-eyed hero. And Sam is beautifully done. A lovely story. The only thing I didn't like was that it was too short. I just love your work, Lindelea. Please write more! I'm always looking for your name at the top of the list. Esamen
Author's reply
Why, thank you! "Please write more", words to warm the cockles of an author's heart (whatever those are, *g*). I'll do my best.
Dreamflower · 16 June 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue
Good old Bill! I'm glad he's made a pest of himself to you--this promises to be fun! I look forward to seeing his ponyish opinions on Merry and Pippin, on Asfaloth, on Rivendell...and then of course the Quest as far as Moria...wonder what he thought of Gandalf? *chuckle* He's one opinionated pony!
Author's reply
Chuckling with you. I have never known a pony that wasn't opinionated. Full of personality (for good or ill) and some can be quite stubborn.
Bodkin · 16 June 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue
Good for Bill. He knows quality where he sees it - and he sees it in Sam. And he will give respect where Sam sees that it's due.
Author's reply
He's very bright, for a pony. And he is forming a high opinion of Sam, who, to his view, is practically pony himself. (High praise, coming from Bill.)
FantasyFan · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue
Maybe done before, but I'm sure you'll put your unique stamp on this. What I like already is that one chapter in, Bill loves Frodo and trusts Sam. With a beginning like that, he deserves to be called the Tenth Walker.
Author's reply
Thank you! I felt the need of some "easy" writing, with little research beyond reading the original work, which I've started over anyhow. It is fun to imagine what goes on inside the head of a pony like Bill, who I recall Samwise said was practically human, or something to that effect. Haven't quite got that far in my re-reading yet! Comments, of course, are welcome, even for the lighter fare. Whew!
harrowcat · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue
What a lovely start. Please keep on giving Bill your sugar so that we get to hear more!
Author's reply
I can see my sugar bill is about to skyrocket. Thanks!
Loremaster of Anorien · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue
I like it! Poor Bill, I would dislike Men, too, if I was treated like that. Keep writing! Namarie! Loremaster
Author's reply
Poor Bill, indeed, but things are looking up. Sort of. (At least he has a nice long stretch in Rivendell to look forward to.) Thanks!