Sue
· 10 November 2023
· Chapter 111: What goes up must come down, or so they say, though perhaps not in polite company
AT LAST: My Bill is back. I know we are close to saying goodbye (unless he continues into the wild while his friends go underground as I hope). I enjoy this tale so much, thank you so much for not abandoning it and us.
Author's reply
(Your review appears to have posted itself twice, so I'm adding a p.s. here that I forgot when I hit "Submit Reply" in my previous reply.)
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts!
Hugs,
Lin
Author Reply: p.p.s. The story is outlined all the way to the Grey Havens and back (at least in an Epilogue), so I'm hopeful it will take full form in the coming days.
Sue
· 10 November 2023
· Chapter 111: What goes up must come down, or so they say, though perhaps not in polite company
AT LAST: My Bill is back. I know we are close to saying goodbye (unless he continues into the wild while his friends go underground as I hope). I enjoy this tale so much, thank you so much for not abandoning it and us.
Author's reply
At last, indeed. This chapter has been sitting on my hard drive half-formed for months. Since I am focusing more on self-care these days and avoiding stress as much as possible, and fanfic is "comfort food" of sorts, I hope to keep writing on a more regular basis. Think good thoughts.
Larner
· 10 November 2023
· Chapter 111: What goes up must come down, or so they say, though perhaps not in polite company
I hadn't thought that the subject of swimming might not be considered proper for polite society, but I can now well imagine it. And that Pippin mentioned the subject in front of Frodo would most likely to have embarrassed Eglantine in particular, considering how Frodo's parents died.
Ah, yes--Sam would most likely have preferred "burrowing" to "swimming" in making his way through the drifts.
How thoughtful our Bill has become!
Author's reply
I was rather surprised myself that Merry did not hush Pippin's talk about swimming but went along with it instead - until I remembered that Frodo had taken pains to "drown-proof" Merry by teaching him how to swim, probably a typical practice at Brandy Hall to protect little ones living on the banks of the River and whose society included boating and using a Ferry to cross to the main Shire. So I put that part into the chapter (Frodo teaching Merry, and Merry teaching Pippin). (For my OCs, it's something of a running joke that Hilly, as a Took who eventually sailed away on a ship, didn't mind the Thain's swimming lessons half as much as the rest of the escort, lol!)
Author Reply: p.s. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! (I need to go back and read that other chapter you mentioned in your review reply, but Someone is nudging my ribs and staring at me with large, pleading puppy eyes, so I had better close the laptop for now and feed the menagerie.)
Hugs,
Lin
shirebound
· 10 November 2023
· Chapter 111: What goes up must come down, or so they say, though perhaps not in polite company
I do love hobbits and their way of lightening the most dire of situations with. What a delightful conversation. I never thought about anyone skimming down the mountain in Boromir's shield!
When I was growing up in the 1950s-60s, Pennsylvania snowstorms brought very deep drifts that my brother and I would indeed have fun burrowing through. It's a nice memory.
Author's reply
I remember Wisconsin snowstorms during that time frame in the same way you've described them. I seem to remember burrowing in deep snow and building snow caves out of drifts when I was a very small child. I understand now that it could be dangerous? (if a snow cave collapses on a small child) ...but that possibility never crossed our minds.
I remember overhearing someone telling about stealing garbage can lids (when all garbage cans were made of silver metal (tin? aluminium?) and coasting down snowy hills on them long before snow-saucers were invented. (Maybe they were the inspiration for saucers?) I also seem to recall a fanfic that had hobbits coasting down the Hill on a shield that was usually displayed on the wall of Bilbo's parlour or perhaps his study, though the details are fuzzy. (I might even have written that scene myself and forgotten about it, but I don't want to take credit in case it was someone else's idea, LOL.)
Boromir makes a wonderful foil for hobbit humour, doesn't he? I just re-read recently Larner's story about Frodo taking revenge on Boromir for discarding mushrooms from his stew, and it was just as funny as the first time I read it.
Thanks for stopping and taking the time to share your thoughts!
Hugs,
Lin
tari
· 4 September 2023
· Chapter 31: We meet hope unlooked for, aid unexpected
What a wonderful chapter. I love your description of Glorfindel and his horse was a nice addition.
Author's reply
It was both fun and intimidating to write Glorfindel. I'm glad his description worked. It made sense to me that his horse would be as noble and fair as the Elf lord himself.
Thanks for stopping to leave an encouraging word!
Hugs,
Lin
tari
· 19 July 2023
· Chapter 25: Trolls!
It's been too long since I read this delightful story. Wish I could remember the other stories I was reading.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for stopping and taking the time to share your thoughts! Now that the snows are flying again, Caradhras seems to come more clearly to mind. I am hoping to finish this one sooner than later. At least I am not allowing myself to be distracted by NaNoWriMo this year!
Hugs,
Lin
Author Reply: (I realized belatedly that you were commenting on events that took place long before Caradhras. I hope my reply was not too confusing.)
Larner
· 13 April 2023
· Chapter 110: We contemplate descent by various means
Some prescience here, I note. "You shall not pass!" indeed. Love this.
Cannot find your phone number. Are you there Sunday?
Author's reply
So sorry I did not see this! I have been editing into the wee hours (even unto the dawn) almost every day and did not get back to SoA over the weekend.
I am so glad that you stopped by along the way even though you didn't know if I'd be in! What a lovely afternoon it was, even if Panda kept catching sight of your vehicle parked in front and, forgetting she'd already barked at it, would raise the alarm again and again. Since she takes her job as bodyguard (also a bit of gardener thrown in, from all the digging she does in the back yard, I should think) very seriously, and it is no bother (and actually a complete delight) to raise up her own thunder, I think she had as good a time as any of us, even though she was not allowed to partake of any celebratory cake.
Don't mind me and my too-flowery writing this morning. I edited almost until dawn again, and I'm feeling rather loopy.
Thanks for stopping by (both in person and here on SoA!) and taking time to share your thoughts.
sue
· 6 April 2023
· Chapter 110: We contemplate descent by various means
Oh, dear dear Bill. Great heart indeed. As always, quite philosophical for 'just' a pony. Hugs and carrots sweetie.
Author's reply
*Bill leans into the hugs and contentedly crunches the carrots.*
I think the company he keeps has had a great influence on him.
Thanks for stopping to share your thoughts!
KathyG
· 5 April 2023
· Chapter 110: We contemplate descent by various means
Yaayy!! You've posted a new chapter!
They'll have to wait till the snow stops, and then Aragorn and Boromoir will have to dig a path for them all.
Author's reply
It's so nice to spend time in JRRT's world again. I am trying to make it a habit. I am planning to schedule appointments with myself for reading as well as writing. That recent SoA crash reminded me of all the stories I still want to read, including yours. I was so sad to think they were gone, and incredibly happy to see the site return.
Thank you so much for the smile today!
shirebound
· 2 April 2023
· Chapter 110: We contemplate descent by various means
The snow is still falling, but it is now floating down upon us, taking the form of larger flakes, as if many small flakes have clumped together for warmth in the storm. A curious thought.
I like that. And it's heartwarming that hobbits can always speak lightly and encouragingly to one another, however dire the circumstance.
Author's reply
I must admit, the idea came from a child's imagination many years ago. I love that JRRT's descriptions of hobbits provide so much food for thought to work with, from his observation of the nature of hobbitly courage, to the simple fact that no hobbit, in all their history, had ever killed another on purpose, to their light speech about heavy matters, to the curious immunity of most hobbits (unfortunately not all of them) to soul-destroying hunger for power and fortune (which I believe is a reflection of the author's, “If more people valued home above gold, this world would be a merrier place.” ).
Thank you for stopping to leave a good word!
Anonymous
· 19 November 2022
· Chapter 43: Restless, I find some sort of rest at last
Continuing to enjoy this little journey!
Also, that Black Beauty reference did not go unnoticed, by the way. Good old Merrylegs . . .
Author's reply
Thank you! Black Beauty was my favorite read-aloud choice from my earliest memories. I memorized the first chapter years before I learned to read the book for myself.
Dreamflower
· 21 March 2022
· Chapter 90: Some thoughts on the hazards of quiet meadows
Well, here it comes. You know, after so many years, I have the movie version stuck fast in my head, but your descriptions brought the book scene clearly to my mind.
Author's reply
I am remiss in answering reviews, and so I apologize. Thank you for the encouraging words and taking the time to leave your thoughts.
(((hugs)))
Dreamflower
· 21 March 2022
· Chapter 89: We set the watch
Oh dear, the ominous-ness (if there is such a word) is increasing bit by bit. It's not really a cliffie, but it is a "standing on the edge, and some dirt and small pebbles fall into the abyss".
I am getting anxious for our brave pony, knowing what lies ahead for him.
Author's reply
Blessings to you and yours! I do love your description of "not really a cliffie..."
If I didn't have the rest of the story sketched out, I don't know if I could keep writing on this story. But I know what there is to look forward to (meaning the "happy ending" that I am always working towards), and that helps a great deal.
Dreamflower
· 21 March 2022
· Chapter 87: We make good use of our rest
*grin* I've decided to give up on that journal idea for today, and snatch some time to catch up on this again. Can't garden in the rain! And since I'm sitting at my desktop, I can just switch to SoA, and catch up a little...
So, I love this chapter. There are a lot of places in the movies that make me think, well, Tolkien didn't tell us about it, but I am quite sure it did happen at some point in the story. The sword training for Merry and Pippin is one of those things. I had Boromir start them back in Rivendell, and having to break Merry of the habit of holding his breath, LOL!
I really do enjoy Bill's "voice". He always sounds so pony-like in his observations, and yet he has learned much of "people ways" on his journey, and you show that too. You are giving him a very nice "character arc"!
Well on to the next chapter before lunch!
sue
· 2 March 2022
· Chapter 109: An eye-opener, and no mistake
As usual, utterly charming. I know we are creeping up to the point where Bill parts company with the Fellowship. I hope he has more adventures getting back to Rivendell. I am loath to say goodbye.
Author's reply
Hello, sue, very belatedly!
Thanks so much for reading and pausing to leave a good word. Bill's further adventures after parting with the Fellowship are due to start posting in a few days at the time I am writing this reply.
Larner
· 17 February 2022
· Chapter 109: An eye-opener, and no mistake
Ah, heat at last, and even Pippin is starting to get warm once more! Love that the pony realizes that Gandalf is speaking directly to him, but would be easily understood by any other pony or horse. A wonderful scene!
Author's reply
At last! I forgot about adding one bit of personal observation: how with a fire, your front may be roasting if you're close to the fire to warm up after feeling chilled, but your back stays cold! And I also didn't mention the way smoke keeps blowing in different directions, making your eyes sting, or making you cough, and how the smoke can seem to follow you if you move to evade it. I may try to add it in the next chapter, lol.
Thanks!
Larner
· 17 February 2022
· Chapter 108: Our wood, the Wood Elf and thoughts of other woods
Wonderful observations here! Love how Legolas arranges the company and Bill just so in order to protect the flame from wood, and how he speaks to the wood itself. But what do they expect with Saruman cursing their actions and the bitterness of the wind suppressing the wood's possible desire to cooperate?
I truly love this chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you! I have always written Legolas rather cautiously, but I seem to get a clearer picture of him through Bill's eyes, somehow.
KathyG
· 17 February 2022
· Chapter 109: An eye-opener, and no mistake
Having to endure a blizzard is no fun for man or beast, and that's a fact! Bill is holding out nicely in spite of everything.
Author's reply
Definitely no fun. I grew up in blizzard country. I don't miss it at all. To misquote WC Fields, "Snow fascinates me. I could watch it for hours." But I don't want to deal with it, drive in it, or shovel it. Give me cool sunlight and green grass any day. I don't even mind that our corner of the world has fewer sunny days than the national average.
Thanks!
(p.s. I'm enjoying beginning to catch up on your story again. Please give my best to DF and Linda Hoyland.)
shirebound
· 16 February 2022
· Chapter 109: An eye-opener, and no mistake
the warmth he has poured into me lingers deep inside
I love that gentle and comforting moment.
Author's reply
Thank you! It is so good to hear from you. I hope this finds you well.
Larner
· 10 January 2022
· Chapter 107: We have leave to kindle fire, but cannot
And now it is time for Gandalf to show forth the control he has over his principle element.
Have been working hard, and too often without sufficient rest. Lady Morwen is in need of repair, and I couldn't get a rental a couple weeks ago. However, transportation is no longer a problem. Time for writing is too often fleeting as soon as it is glimpsed. Hopefully something will be posted soon. Love to the family and your Panda.
Author's reply
It was so good to see you! We have eaten up all the fruit and nuts, which were lovely, rather like a taste of sunshine in the winter gloom. Do you suppose hobbits give dried fruit and nuts as winter presents? It seems quite reasonable to do so.
(Although last week was uncharacteristically sunny and mild. In fact, one of the not-so-wee hobbits came back for a visit and remarked on missing the usual grey skies and rain, which stayed away throughout the entire visit and only came back after we hugged goodbye.)
I am glad you found time for writing. Your latest chapter is perfect, full of your usual casual-seeming details that bring the scene to life and wonderful characterisations.
Larner
· 10 January 2022
· Chapter 106: We stop and find ‘shelter’
Back. That is a quote that is surely fit for the occasion as well as the weather we in the Pacific Northwest have been through that has now moved eastward so relentlessly. Love Merry's latest descriptive name, and that Gandalf shares the mirror with Bill as well. Now, to put those faggots to use.
Author's reply
The weather has been something, hasn't it? I have watched the videos of (what starts out as) our storms moving across the country, dropping quantities of snow. I do not miss Midwestern blizzards. No, not at all.
It felt practically like almost-summer last week, but thankfully the cool sunlight and green grass (and grey skies) are back again. I am not looking forward to summer. I know the book doesn't say anything about Gandalf sharing with the pony, but it seemed quite natural, somehow, to imagine that happening. It would have been churlish to leave him out!
Thanks!
Tari
· 9 December 2021
· Chapter 107: We have leave to kindle fire, but cannot
"Sun kicks off her bedcovers and makes her way across the sky, and sometimes it seems as if she is running races, like a frisky colt, and at other times as if she can crawl no faster than a snail on a leaf." I love it. Hehehe.
It's very cold and possibly snowy where I am.
Author's reply
We had a white Christmas this year, very unusual for us! (Usually, our snow hits at Thanksgiving or after New Year's, and Christmas is rainy instead.) But I have been watching news reports of snow, and remembering living in the Snow Belt, where winter was rather refreshing with the first storm, but rather wearing on a body as it lasted... and lasted... and lasted... I hope this finds you warm and snug.
KathyG
· 7 December 2021
· Chapter 108: Our wood, the Wood Elf and thoughts of other woods
Good thing that Gandalf's with them! He'll save the day. =)
Author's reply
Yay for Gandalf! "G" is for "grand"! (indeed.)
Thanks!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 5 December 2021
· Chapter 108: Our wood, the Wood Elf and thoughts of other woods
Lindelea!
So happy to see your posting! Haven't yet had the time to read the chapter yet but had to at least take the time wave and see how you have been.
((hugs))
MM
Author's reply
Waving back at you! I just had to sign in to read Larner's latest, especially since it's a birthday present (and such a lovely one!), and then I lingered to finish (at last, whew) the latest chapter of Bill's story, which has been sitting half-finished on my hard drive for about forever. But at least our friends have a fire now, and what with all the snow that's been falling lately all over, it seems rather appropriate to kindle a warming fire.
{{hugs}}
Lin
sue
· 29 November 2021
· Chapter 108: Our wood, the Wood Elf and thoughts of other woods
Hullo Bill! Still freezing you poor guy. Here's a warm bran mash to warm you up and a hug to warm your heart.
Love, Sue
Author's reply
Bill whiskers and rubs his head against your arm before plunging his muzzle eagerly into the warm brain mash...
Hullo, Sue, so glad to hear from you!
Alas, poor Bill, there is still some story to get through before he finds comfort. *sigh* But the happy ending will be so satisfying to write!
Author Reply: "whiskers" was supposed to say "whickers", but spell-checker sneaked in a "correction" in a "helpful" moment. (I seem to recall someone comparing the spell-checker to a small, drunken elf living under the keyboard, wobbling around and making ever-so-well-intended changes in the twinkling of an eye, just before the author hits "submit".