Where the Merlin Cries by Lindelea
harrowcat · 1 October 2007 · Chapter 35: Enemies, Blow the Alarm!
I am so glad that everyone is back together at least. Frodo's comment to Sam about the reality being much worse than the hearing really hit me.
Author's reply
I've heard it said that imagining is worse than the reality, but I think that's not always true. There's a lot I'm glad I haven't seen. Whew.
Larner · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 34: You Towers of Heaven, You Shining Light
Fastred and Frodo both know there are ruffians; now to actually do something with them. Come on, you two--it's up to you to save Ferdi. And you're right--Ruffians do make wonderful villains! Heh!
Author's reply
You're right, it's up to Fastred and Frodo! What would we do without ruffians?
Larner · 14 September 2007 · Chapter 33: I Have Placed My Confidence
Alas that there are such things as ruffians, but these Hobbits and Rangers know what they are doing and will be the equal to them. At least Ferdi woke up. Poor Hobbit. Glad to see the watch set there near the cave--approaching ruffians will be in for a well-deserved surprise!
Author's reply
Yes, Fastred's not so innocent as he might look. And you're right, poor Ferdi. I would want to stay asleep, lost in dream, myself in his situation. Thanks!
harrowcat · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 33: I Have Placed My Confidence
At least King and Thain are alerted. Poor Pippin, duty can be a heavy burden.
Author's reply
Responsibility, seriously taken, can be a heavy burden indeed. (Pip needs to better learn how to delegate, poor fellow!)
Larner · 2 September 2007 · Chapter 32: You Are Torn Loose
Yes, I can certainly appreciate how he doesn't wish to feel helpless. Good for him. So they are at the moment safely within the cave, although such a placement might also be a trap if someone tries to smoke them out--seems that worked back in the caves near Scary to fetch out Fredegar and his fellows. Too bad the pony couldn't properly back out in time. Poor ponies; but the removal of the tack was the right thing to do.
Author's reply
Poor ponies. You're right about the cave. Glad to hear you made it back home ok.
harrowcat · 1 September 2007 · Chapter 32: You Are Torn Loose
Hmm... just as things seemed to be going smoothly! Well you did warn us! *g* I hope that the King gets his healing hands on Ferdi before Leotred finds his hatchet.
Author's reply
Well, yes, things never *can* quite go smoothly in the Muse's stories, now, can they? The Muse has a very short attention span and is easily distracted, thus the need for the stimulus of action...
harrowcat · 25 August 2007 · Chapter 31: Why Wilt Thou Trouble Thyself?
I had to laugh - I have just been travelling and camping myself with the major purpose of climbing hill and dabbling my toes in the sea! I have a severe case of the sea-longing too and it needs assauging atr least once a year. As for the chapter - more more more!
Author's reply
Aha! Hope you had a wonderful time. Camping is in our near future, and I certainly hope the weather stays dry. More is on its way! Thanks for asking.
Larner · 24 August 2007 · Chapter 31: Why Wilt Thou Trouble Thyself?
Poor Rose-lass. The fear doesn't quite give way; or is she foreseeing still another danger threatening her brother? I, too, have the Free Fair every year, although the big years will be those when the elections take place. And I'm NOT going to take them out of my stories, either.
Author's reply
Very perceptive comment!
Larner · 16 August 2007 · Chapter 30: The Lively Hunt is All My Heart's Desire
Oh, dear--more adventure? Are there more ruffians hanging about the area they plan to survey or something? Am glad the Mayor, Master, and Thain intend to travel together with Elf and Dwarf, and that the King and his Men are also due! That is heartening!
Author's reply
Oh, dear, yes, I'm afraid to say. This was supposed to be my stab at being unpredictable, as you may know. Always heartening to have half the Fellowship around.
Larner · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 29: Welcome Joyous Festal Day
So, Nell refused to go, and it fell to Fastred and Elanor by default? Aragorn is a dear one! Poor Pippin--with more temptation to attract awful ones into the Shire now! But he will do his best to see the Shire benefit by it, and not have it sit idle attracting dust and brigands! Love to the Little Hobbits and the Hubby and Zoe.
Author's reply
Nice guessing, but there's more story to go... (the Muse started wondering if Nell and Ferdi moved out to the Towers Hills, later on in life... who knows if there might be one more Nell and Ferdi story set after As the Gentle Rain...) Gee, wouldn't it be a nice problem, having more money than you know what to do with...? At least, it seems like a nice pipe dream. The little hobbits certainly think so! Zoe, OTOH, cares little for material things just so long as her food and water dishes are regularly supplied and walkies happen at least twice a day, if not oftener.
Larner · 2 August 2007 · Chapter 28: Oh Glorious Day, Longed-for Time
Oh, how I love seeing Aragorn give over his own edict at the will of Thain, Master, and Mayor. Yes, Aragorn--you are outranked here! Oh Frabjous day! Calloo! Callay! They are home, and Berilas, against all expectation, has his whole family back! And a foreign prince has the special honor of being allowed to join in the celebrations, and to see just how Hobbits entertain at home! Yay, Aragorn! Hoot, hoot, hoot! And love to the girls, hubby, and Zoe.
Author's reply
Caught your review as I stopped for a cup of tea. Zoe is here at my feet, as usual, alternating between snoring and lifting her head upright, ears pricked, listening to the bustling in the kitchen where the girls are experimenting with the making of French Toast. Perhaps something won't quite work out and will need a dog to deal with it? Perhaps an egg will accidentally fall to the floor? Perhaps some milk will be spilt? Our dog (Writing Partner) trainer remarked on what a happy dog she is, for her tail is always vibrating and gyrating during lessons. I think she does have a very happy life with us, for there is almost always someone at home, and there are plenty of walks and snuggles and games and accidentally dropped food. We do love our gentle Giant. JRRT did say that King Elessar made a point of honouring his Edict, so I hope I'm not too far out on the AU limb in this and other stories, allowing the hobbits to grant him entry for specific purposes, and on rare occasions.
harrowcat · 25 July 2007 · Chapter 27: Now Goes the Year to its End
A little sea sickness seems a small price to pay to get home more quickly, (but then I've never suffered it). Let the celebrations begin!! Hoping to catch up with my reading and reviewing now the holidays are here and HP is read! Hobbits, I need Hobbits. Much better than 'He who must not.....etc!
Author's reply
I've been seasick--miserable feeling. Hurrah for holidays! I would love to know what happened with HP and all the main characters in the end, without having to plough through the book. (I lost interest about book 4, I think. Just too many pages, and too many interruptions, and finally I just gave up.)
Larner · 25 July 2007 · Chapter 27: Now Goes the Year to its End
How wonderful--finally on their way home and eagerly anticipated! Hooray! Love the cloak made from Aragorn's own blanket! Yes, I can see him making that sacrifice gladly.
Author's reply
Yes, I can see Aragorn giving up his soft, light, yet warm blankets to keep the hobbits cosy.
Bodkin · 25 July 2007 · Chapter 27: Now Goes the Year to its End
Ah - lovely Gimli. He deserves much more attention. I'm glad the hobbits are making their way home - and so will they be, even if it demands a little sickness along the way. And Fastred is making progress. Good for him.
Author's reply
You're right about Gimli! More authors need to pay attention to him! LOL, slow and steady wins the race...
harrowcat · 15 July 2007 · Chapter 26: They Are All Waiting On Thee
Still following Lindelea - getting a bit out of breath trying to keep up with reviewing at the moment if truth is to be told but really enjoying reading. Will have a bit more time now for a week to two!
Author's reply
O good to hear from you. I know what it's like to be busy!
Larner · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 20: See Now What Love
Glad you realized this one was missing. Good seeing Bessime's thoughtfulness in helping prepare for this escape--rescue. And love seeing the caring grow between her and Celandine.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your encouragement, taking the time to leave feedback! It was really FantasyFan who noticed the chapter was missing. Me, I'm feeling dumb as a post for not noticing that there was a skip in the chapter numbers. I did the same thing on "Flames" except that I was the one who found the missing chapter--and that because I was doing research on background for another story and *knew* there was a specific scene I was referring to--and couldn't find the scene until at last I searched the hard drive for a certain phrase, and found a chapter there that had never been posted. Ah, well. It's late, have been up since 5 and really need to go to bed. Little ones send their love, and Zoe is right next to me, though it is too hot for her head to rest on my feet at present.
FantasyFan · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 21: False World, I Do Not Trust You
Oh no! It seems chapter 20 has gone missing. You might want to fix that, for it sets up the washing basket-rescue and the poisoning of the feast. (Good thing I actually have this story copied elsewhere)
Author's reply
LOL, you do? The old version, or the new? (Sorry, silly joke, am heatstruck. 100 degrees again today, and no a/c. Pardon me whilst I refresh the ice water. Whew, that's better.) You're right, this is a critical chapter. (Well, I like to think that none of my chapters are flab, though in reality I'm sure there's plenty of cutting that could be done.) I must not have cut this one over when I had a marathon cut-and-paste session to transfer the unedited version from the other site--I've been editing it here, since I find this site easier to use. Will give you credit for the catch, hope that's ok. (If not, let me know.)
FantasyFan · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 19: There Ripens a Dreadful Ending for You
Rereading, something I like to do. You mentioned in the editorial notes for chapter 9 that you had edited to send Farry off to the lonely mountain quite precipitously after the twins are born and Diamond out of danger. In this chapter, you have Pippin still considering whether he should send Farry or not. Perhaps some of this should be changed? Perhaps he will just be worrying if Farry is all right on his trip and if his decision to send him off had been premature?
Author's reply
Aha, you're right! I will have to do some thinking on this. Thanks for the catch!
Larner · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 26: They Are All Waiting On Thee
So glad to see this one updated again. Rosamunda now knows, and poor Regi's in the hands of the healers at last. Part of the news of those kidnapped has come home; now to wait until the Dove sails up the Brandywine to disgorge the rest! And Aragorn WAS trying to protect the Hobbits, after all.
Author's reply
Poor Regi. And being married to a healer probably isn't much comfort. Ah, yes, the disgorgement is one of the fun parts of the story. I know that Aragorn had other reasons for marching his army south, but it's sort of fun to contemplate the idea that the hobbit rescue was the main reason. Thanks!
Larner · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 25: Behold Then and See if There is Any Sorrow
Aha! Another wonderful chapter finally posted here! Love the idea of poor Legolas being corrupted by Merry and Pippin, and even more Gimli encouraging Poppy to add more braids and ribbons to what she and the others had done! Heh!
Author's reply
Thanks! This is one of my favourite Gimli-encounters... Always knew a heart of gold beat beneath that rough-hewn exterior. (And based in true experience, a hairy camp counselor, sleeping, and a gaggle of giggling girls...)
Larner · 26 June 2007 · Chapter 24: Ring Out, You Songs, Resound, You Strings!
So glad to be able to read this at last. The ISP from Mordor struck again the other night as I started to read this one; then I found Jewels updated and read it, and then the ISP cut out AGAIN.... I am coming to detest Hughes with a purple passion. But at last the hostages are on their way home, and Aragorn has seen a better king in this southern land. Excellent!
Author's reply
Nasssty ISP. (gives it a smack and tells it to behave.) Yes, the hostages will soon be on their way home, and the young king shows a great deal of promise, especially now that he has fallen in amongst good companions.
Bodkin · 19 December 2006 · Chapter 23: Haste to Strike, Oh Longed for Hour
I hope the change of government absorbs the attention of those in charge of the dogs - at least until Jessamin and Bessime and their attendant males are proclaimed heroes rather than hound fodder. It seems that Eomer will be disappointed - the army will not be required to fight. And Celandine and her little ones will make it home safely!
Author's reply
Ah, well. We must take our blessings where we can find them. I'm sure Eomer will find other battles, at least in other stories if not this one. (Sorry for the long delay in responding. I see that when this chapter was posted, was about the time I started six months' bronchitis/pneumonia.)
Larner · 18 December 2006 · Chapter 23: Haste to Strike, Oh Longed for Hour
So, the Lion himself died of poisoned stew, a stew none of the King's folk ate, believing it might have contained flesh from their friends. And the Lion's son and heir now understands the foolishness of his previous actions, and rejoices to see the Hobbits safely returned to their King. Aha! At least all will be well from this point, and two who now come to love one another look to find the fullness of their joy in one another, rather than finding themselves seeking to outrun the Lion's hounds. As you noted, poetic justice.
Author's reply
*hugs* Thanks so much for your lovely review! I was feeling very downhearted, the last two days, and you've brightened my spirits. I am having a difficult time right now. Broke a tooth yesterday, the dentist can't see me until tomorrow, and I'm on the second day of holding a migraine at bay (not tooth-related, more allergies, I think). Haven't felt like writing in some days, now, and even if I did I wouldn't have time. Have wasted the entire morning, and now need to go and do something productive for a change. If I hadn't heard the guys on the radio say that the kids are out of school this week for winter break, I'd really feel horrid. But the wee hobbits have enjoyed the morning off, finishing the decorating of our tree and setting up the Nativity (though I told them they couldn't put the breakable angel figures in the branches of the tree, to hover over the scene--disaster waiting to happen) and now they are practising their violins and getting ready for lessons. Laundry, and dishes, and dusting (such dusting! can write in the dust, I'm afraid, it has been neglected so long). But I'm sure I'll feel better once I've done something productive. I hope this finds you well. Do you get to take time off for the holidays?
Bodkin · 9 December 2006 · Chapter 22: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star
What a good thing that a Dwarf and his axes are never separated! Get the strays back to the king - that is a very good idea. And I do hope that those who - er - facilitated their disappearance manage to get away with their actions.
Author's reply
LOL, Gimli and his pet axe! New chapter posted, things becoming clearer to conspirators. What a night!
Larner · 8 December 2006 · Chapter 22: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star
Hooray! At last they are back with true friends. And Aragorn will be most happy to see the Hobbits back home to the Shire. Yes, Gimli and Legolas are more than a match for any Haradri who might be tempted to chase the Hobbits and seek to recapture them. And am so glad they hadn't been added to the stew, myself. Now, what becomes of the Lion for his attempted vileness?
Author's reply
New chapter posted, wherein you'll learn the fate of the Lion. Hopefully sufficiently ironic in nature. Whew, you're not the only one happy that the hobbits weren't added to the stew! (Poor goats...) And it is certainly nice to have the hobbits in the arms of people they know and trust. And soon to be homeward bound. Whew.