I can't believe it's over. You can't imagine how much I loved reading A Healer's Tale and Just Desserts, including the dark parts. I truly hated to see it end. I am left wondering what happened to the two very ill Hobbits. Did you write any more about them? I normally prefer stories about Elves, but you have me totally hooked.
Thank you so much for this delightful experience.
Tari
Author's reply
You are most welcome! I am honoured, especially hearing that you prefer stories about Elves.
The two very ill Hobbits? Can you give me some context? I'll be happy to direct you to a story, or give you a summary. (I have two very ill hobbits in one of my current stories-in-progress, but I suspect they're not the ones you're talking about.)
Author Reply: ...or (pardon me for being thick) are you indeed talking about the two very ill hobbits in the current WIP, "One Who Sticks Closer than a Brother"?
Am feeling particularly brainless today.
Tari
· 12 June 2007
· Chapter 34: A Token of Gratitude
'Gwill o'Dale, and Gwillam and Robin, sons of Gwill,' Pippin said grandly, raising his voice though silence reigned in the market place. 'I proclaim you Shire-friends, nay, heroes of the Shire, who have, with your selfless and courageous actions, won the gratitude of Thain...'
'...and Master,' put in Merry, at Pippin's side.
'...and Mayor!' Samwise said decidedly from the Thain's other side.
'...and so, we grant you and your descendants the freedom of the Shire, from now and henceforth!' Pippin said, extending three rolls of parchment, each tied with a bright ribbon.
Gwill took a shaky breath, and his eyes glimmered with tears as he looked to the King. 'My Lord?' he whispered.
Elessar nodded with a smile. Who was he to gainsay Master, Mayor, and Thain?
```````
How precious. This brought tears to my eyes.
Tari
Author's reply
Thanks! It was one of the scenes I was working towards, all through the angst. Whew.
Appreciate your taking the time to drop a line!
Anonymous
· 8 June 2007
· Chapter 29: A Tale of Two Rangers
"To Ferdi's mind, they were more like wolves than like hobbits, or perhaps a better comparison would be bears. Large, ungainly creatures, seeming harmless, comical, even disposed to be friendly, but dangerous all the same, and not to be trusted. Though there were no bears in the Shire at this late date, still, he'd heard the stories about them, seen the likenesses in drawings and paintings and pictures in books, even curled his toes in a shaggy bearskin spread before a blazing hearth."
This is one of my favorite parts. I love Ferdi's opinion of men. What a hoot!.
Tari
Author's reply
LOL, I am trying to reply to all your reviews as they come, but I think this one (and the previous) came while we were out of town! So, apologies for this belated reply.
Good old Ferdi. Everybody attributes the saying "All men are ruffians" and he denies ever saying it. (I believe what he actually says is "Ruffians, all"!)
Author Reply: Hm. We weren't out of town. Must've come while we were catching up from being out of town!
(easily distracted by niggling details)
Tari
· 8 June 2007
· Chapter 28: Resolution
Well, I can finally relax and take a breath. Gwillam will LIVE and be restored to good healh, I hope. You really had me sweating this one. His hanging was horrible to read.
I can't help but hope that Pippin will be alright too.
Tari
Author's reply
Well, as you've read A Healer's Tale you know that Pippin was healed of his lung damage in the time between All that Glisters and Just Desserts. (I couldn't have inflicted such awful circumstances on him if I hadn't had the idea of his healing, early on in the cycle of stories...)
I'm quite fond of Jack (Gwill) and his boys, and glad there was a good resolution to this story. I'm hooked on happy endings.
Tari
· 30 May 2007
· Chapter 18: In the Shadow of the Scaffold
The last two chapters were heart wrenching. So hard to read, yet I couldn’t stop. The Steward was getting on my last nerve.
Here’s hoping Aragorn can save Wil and Jack.
Tari
Author's reply
Been out of town. It was so nice to come home to your review!
I know, the Steward is drawn very negatively in the first part of the story, but as you'll find, reading on, he's not quite so one-dimensional as he's been shown to this point.
Will and Jack's fates were very much in Bodkin's hands during the writing, since this story was a result of a challenge and I asked what direction the plot ought to take. Rather risky, but Bodkin is a trustworthy sort, I have found, and chose wisely in my humble estimation.
Hope this makes sense, am flying high on Cherry-flavoured Cola today and it makes for disjointed thought.
To get back to the point of this reply: thanks!
Endaewen
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
A great story. You had me on tenterhooks for most of it.
Author's reply
Thanks! I know I was on tenterhooks, writing it. I really did not know the outcome, when I was in the middle... I sort of left it up to Bodkin, since this story was her prize in a guessing game, and I'm so glad that she chose the way she did.
Whew.
Thanks again, for taking time to leave a note.
Nienor Niniel
· 27 September 2006
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
A lot of my reviews contain a variation of "You made me cry" - I must come over as a blubbering, highly emotional girl... mhm, perhaps that's what I really am. Anyway, you did it again. This was such an unexpected ending which turned the whole story to something hopeful.
I loved the reference to... it was Esther, wasn't it?
All in all, a great piece. I love to see something about the rebuilt Annuminas - I think yours is the first fic I have seen expand on it.
All the best! Nienor
Author's reply
Thanks! I am behind in answering comments, but I greatly appreciate each one.
Yes, you're right, that scene was born out of reading Esther, and was probably one of the foundations the story was built upon.
It's a little daunting to expand on the rebuilding of the North Kingdom. We have only a hint or two. I find myself speculating if they would have left the ruins and built anew or built on top of the old city... I finally decided to leave the ruins, though I don't remember my reasoning any more and the notes are long gone.
Anyhow, forgive my wandering reply. I have a cold and I need to head to bed!
Thanks again.
demeter d
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 99999: Author's Note
More re: Haleth/Hama; Sorry to disillusion you, or something, but Hama did indeed die before he even entered Helm's Deep. I haven't read Two Towers in awhile, but I think it goes something like "killed before the gates, and his body hewn after he was dead". Theoden adds Hama's loss to the list of grievances that he lays at Saruman's feet as he and the others stand at the bottom of the steps of Orthanc after the battle. Sadly, yes, killed by Orcs before the battle of Helm's Deep, although probably not quite like the movie. Have enjoyed your story!
Author's reply
O yes, now, that does ring a faint bell in the back of my mind. Haven't read Two Towers in a long time, and really need to revisit the Original. I just remember seeing the movie and being disappointed at the way Hama died (as opposed to how the book went--but it's so long ago I now don't remember how the book went!). It's on the nightstand next to my bed. Just have to get some required RL reading out of the way first... Whew.
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
Hey - in addition to the film character Haleth, son of Hama, I found -
Haleth
Third Age
King Helm's son of Rohan
So maybe it's one of those names that can make the transition across the genders.
Author's reply
Ah. But then I get a fit of giggles, thinking: Here is a man of Rohan with a female Sindarin name... shades of Johnny Cash's "Boy Named Sue"...
Sorry. ahem. Attack of the sillies. So who am I to say it's a female name? All I have is a "cheat sheet" with Sindarin endings to help keep me from terrible gaffes since I don't have much of a clue when it comes to Elvish.
(Hama was from Rohan, wasn't he? Wasn't he the one killed by the Warg in the surprise attack? That was his son, who introduced himself to whoever-it-was in the movie? Poor lad. But I take comfort in the fact that Hama didn't die that way in the book, if at all.)
At the moment I have no desire to write, combined with no time to write. Wonderful boon! Usually the two hit at different times, so that I have desire to write but no time, or time to write but no desire. I don't even have time to post that last "To Tell a Tale" story that you sent me, but I still hope to when the schedule clears again.
As far as all those things "in progress", will hope to update when the Muse speaks again.
Happy St. Nicholas Day!
demeter d
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
Just a note on the story summary on the link: I do not remember right now if it is in the book, but in the movie "The Two Towers, a boy introduces himself to Aragorn at Helm's Deep as "Haleth, son of Hama". So evidently someone, somewhere thinks that "Haleth" is a boy's name.
Charming Epilogue. Charming Epilogue! A nice reminder to the Northern Steward that even heroes like Ellesar are human beings, capable of missteps and in need of forgiveness, support and friendship. All of which, it seems, he will be getting in abundance from his new-found daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Perhaps he can take them back north with him for an extended visit, or to stay. And, I believe, he will be thanking the Valar for the priviledge of having bothersome, interferring Hobbits for friends! May the hair on their toes never fall out!
Author's reply
Hmmm. Thanks for the note on the name! Perhaps it is a movie thing. I don't remember "Haleth" at all, but looking up the name on Encyclopedia of Arda I find Haleth was a female... Elf, I think, and her twin brother was named "Haldar". I have all the extended versions of the films, but haven't watched them in a dog's age. They are too scarey for our little ones, and by the time the children are in bed I am yawning myself!
I had my suspicions about two-thirds of the way through the story, when looking at my name lists, and my notes that said that male endings were things like -ar, -ir, -on, -ion, and -ond and female endings were -eth and -wen and -iel and -ien. (I just typed that from memory and not from looking at my notes, so it is possible that I made a mistake just now.) So I went searching for "Haleth" just to make sure. Encyclopedia of Arda didn't mention the Haleth of the movie. Perhaps that site limits itself to bookverse.
I think Haldoron really does appreciate having interfering hobbits as friends... and will even more, now that Ferdi's interfering has united him with his son's family!
It is good to remember that even Kings make mistakes, and that they weren't always kings.
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Bodkin
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
OK - maybe he wouldn't have been working as a messenger in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is Haldoron! He's good at blaming himself.
And, if those who knew of the wedding thought that Haldoron had disowned his son, maybe they would have kept it quiet. You never know - maybe marriage without parental consent in Gondor can be set aside, so Faelaseth wouldn't want to put herself forward and have her children made illegitimate. (Unlikely, but possible!)
And I am thinking very good and encouraging thoughts about that exciting trip to Gondor.
Author's reply
Hmmm. "Unlikely but possible." On such things hinges the plot of many a story. (I always have trouble figuring out the verb forms in such statements, do you?)
Good old Haldoron. Being chief of the Rangers in Aragorn and Halbarad's absence must have been no picnic. Er, no piece of cake. Um, am thinking like a hobbit today, in terms of food. A good thing, when writing hobbits, I suppose.
Another couple of stories in the works are "Tenth Walker" (Bill the Pony, in other words) and the one about Bilbo adopting Frodo. No dearth of material to work on. And Bandobras would really like his tale told, but it exists only as a plot summary at the moment and I keep telling him that he must simmer awhile longer on the back burner to develop flavour.
But the next chapter of "Thain" is nearly ready to post, and the next two chapters of the Fell Winter story, so we'll just have to see.
Thanks for the encouragement! I woke up this morning with absolutely no desire to write, and reading reviews rekindled my enthusiasm.
Garnet Took
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
I don't know how I missed the posting of this last part.
This was a very nice story. It was interesting to see what happened after Jack went over that waterfall.
I could not believe how hard the Northern Steward had become. Yes, his life had been filled with losses, but to take what the hobbits had said and twist it the way he did was just dreadful. I hope he has truly learned better now. Of course, knowing that his family line lives on will probably help whether he realizes it, or not.
Like I said, this has been a very interesting look into the way things were done in the Northern Kingdom on a day-to-day basis years after Aragorn became King.
Thanks for another thrilling yarn.
Author's reply
Well, I'm glad you found the last part anyhow!
I really wanted Jack to pop up, out of the waterfall, unscathed, but figured that would not be realistic. Poor Jack. However, his injuries go a long way to explaining why Jack didn't just pick up and leave with the boys once he realised that Pippin and Diamond would be making regular visits to the Lake, along with the attendant danger of discovery.
I think that the Steward learns an awful lot about the trustworthiness of hobbits on the journey to Gondor, actually. Part of his education will be overcoming Ferdi's distrust of Men! (As they say, "Turnabout is fair play.")
You're welcome, and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Bodkin
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
There is a lot of reader torture involved in this epilogue! Just how did poor Haldoron end up in the Houses of Healing tormenting himself about his worth again? What has Farry done to him?
Still, at least Ferdi (MFH) has leanred the worth of (some) men - and is definitely on Haldoron's side. Which can only be a good thing.
And I love the appearance of an unknown daughter-in-law with two delightful grandchildren to help Haldoron overcome his tendency to blame himself for all the world's troubles. Although Haldoron will probably start thinking, at any minute, that, if he hadn't been such a dogmatic grouch, his son would have brought his wife home, so wouldn't have been working as a messenger, so wouldn't have been in the way of that arrow, so would still be alive. So it's all Haldoron's fault. But maybe having Faelaseth around will counter this tendency to take all on his shoulders. And Baineth will definitely be good for him. Every old grouch needs a granddaughter.
This has been an absolutely perfect story and I am so pleased that you wrote it. What a prize! I can't wait to see what you write next. On top, that is, of Thain and Fell Winter and anything else that is ongoing. Thank you for writing this.
Now, how did Haldoron get hurt?
Author's reply
Spot on except for one thing. The Steward's son likely would have been working as a messenger regardless, which is the main reason his father thought he should not marry until he achieved enough rank and status for a permanent posting. Haldoron, upright fellow that he was, wasn't about to pull strings to benefit his own son beyond what a "regular" guardsman would expect.
I was hoping the sudden appearance unknown daughter-in-law would please and not fret. I worked at making the circumstances believable. I am still working out why Elessar didn't know, when he was alternating between North and South. Evidently it was a secret marriage, and a "sergeant" knew (perhaps he was the girl's father or something like that), but who else would have known?
As to how Haldoron got hurt... well, as you know, Farry wanted to retrace the journey of the Fellowship... *g*
But seriously, that story is outlined, and the first and last chapters are written. Typical beginning for a "Lindelea" story. Now if only the rest of the draft will cooperate and write itself nicely, and then as the first revision proceeds the story can begin posting. Think good thoughts.
Pearl Took
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
*sigh, sniff*
Epilogue? More a Prologue I should think ;) I'm looking forward to the new story :) :)
MEWD!!
Author's reply
Yes, the Epilogue is sort of tacked-on and doesn't really fit the story, but I put it in anyhow to show that Haldoron, eventually, does receive his just desserts.
Thanks for the note of encouragement!
Larner
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
Naturally I want to know the circumstances leading Halbaron to a bed in the Houses of Healing; seems that he and his beloved cousin do indeed share equal luck in trying to keep Hobbits safe.
So very glad to find he has a family now to help fill the void left by a ruffian's arrow. Bless them all, the family now forming, and the love already beginning to grow.
Love it, Lindelea.
Author's reply
I just couldn't leave the poor man hanging, so to speak, about to head off into the Wilderland with hobbits, and who *knew* what might happen (especially with hobbits involved)? So I gave away part of the "Farry and Ferdi Go to Gondor" story, just for the Steward's sake...
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
Oh, yes! *Tease* us will you, with this lovely snippet!
I see Ferdi's become cheekier than ever among Men. Maybe even cheekier than his cousin, if that's possible, but at least as cheeky *as*! I loved the way he just blew off all Haldoron's attempts to get rid of him. And I certainly *adore* Pippin's version of the journey from Bree on, as Aragorn's "failure"--and of course from Aragorn's POV, it really was, and yet it was all those "failures" that led to the ultimate successful outcome for the Good Guys. (You don't suppose that JRRT had a message in there for us somewhere do you?)
I have just been adoring this whole story, and I can't begin to say how thrilled I am that Jack/Robin/Gwill and his family are now "hobbits" and have the freedom of the Shire. *satisfied sigh* Take That, Edict!
Sorry to see this one end but looking greatly forward to more from you soon!!
Thank you for sharing this lovely tale!
Author's reply
Poor thing. I wanted to show that Haldoron wasn't alone in the world after all, but to do that required a certain amount of... spoiling, I guess you'd call it. Perhaps it's the tv mentality coming out, that "coming in the next episode" that you see in continuing shows. I used to be quite addicted to television.
I have greatly appreciated your encouraging and thoughtful feedback along the way.
Thanks!
Author Reply: p.s. as to JRRT and messages to the reader... I keep thinking about how it is the small and weak who save the world in his story. It *is* an encouraging message, isn't it, that we don't have to do everything exactly right to have a good outcome in the end. Whew. Makes this frustrated perfectionist feel much better.
harrowcat
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 36: Epilogue
Oh, what a perfect end to a great story Lindelea. Good old Ferdi!
Author's reply
Thanks!
(I'm rather fond of Ferdi, myself.)
Larner
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 35: A Long-Awaited Celebration
Ah--have been waiting for this one. Excellent indeed. And glad that Ferdi is realizing that perhaps the coming trip to Gondor isn't quite as awful an ordeal as he'd envisioned!
And so glad to see the other baby born! Little Gwesthiel sounds lovely!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, the trip to Gondor oughtn't to be an awful ordeal. But of course when a teen is in charge (in more ways than one), interesting things can happen. (And Farry, unfortunately, probably will outrank everyone else on the trip...)
Thank you!
Larner
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 34: A Token of Gratitude
Am catching up. Yes, MOST appropriate consequences, and certainly as fine a set of consequences as possible. After all, these are Hobbits by adoption now, and have had a positive impact on the Shire since before Pippin's birth, even, in the case of Gwillam!
Lovely, lovely, lovely!
Author's reply
I really think that Gwill would have retired in the Shire, when he became too old to wander, if the King's edict had not stood in his way. Now it is so lovely, that things have been changed around to allow him to spend as much time there as he wishes. (Of course, he is a granfather now, and probably wouldn't remove to the Shire entirely.)
Thanks for the encouraging words!
Pearl Took
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 35: A Long-Awaited Celebration
Bravo! Bravo! Happiness and joy abounding with Hobbits and Men together again. *sigh* A wonderful sight in my mind's eye. Thank you :)
Author's reply
You're welcome, and thank *you* for coming along for the ride and dropping me notes of cheer along the way.
Bodkin
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 35: A Long-Awaited Celebration
Oh, joy. I'm so pleased that the hobbits intend their proclamations to be more than token. Gwill/Jack badly needs to spend time in the Shire. And Seledrith seems to be looking on the prospect with amazement and delight. It will do the Shirefolk good to see certain selected men - and women and babies - now that the bad days are getting to be no more than a bad memory.
Ferdi's not so sure about the Gondor trip - but he is getting accustomed to the idea. And he does need this. Probably more than Farry. His experience has made him strong, but not open to new things - and, if he is to become the hobbit he can be, he needs to get over this parochial blinkered-ness.
Lovely penultimate chapter of a very stressful, yet delightful story. And Jack gets to go back to the Shire. Yeah! Go him.
Lovely, lovely, lovely. So enjoyable. And the tailor has become a Counsellor. And Denny is the daddy of a darling daughter. (Love the reverse cooing about the hugeness of the baby! And Pippin's satisfaction with the food as opposed to the nouvelle cuisine of Minas Tirith.)
Author's reply
Jack and the Shire just seem to go so well together, like butter on bread.
Although there's not a chapter in this story about it, somehow I think that the family living in Bag End are in for a treat, a real Prancing Pony breakfast surprise.
So glad you enjoy your prize. (How awful, if you didn't!)
The tailor becoming a Counsellor was from a review--yours? I need to look back through the feedback to make sure, and then will put a note in the "Notes" to that effect.
Thanks!
harrowcat
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 35: A Long-Awaited Celebration
I would have loved to have been at this party. I loved the contrast between the food there and palace feasts in Minas Tirith!!! And I am glad to see that Gandalf's old room is going to get some new visitors.
Author's reply
Sounds like my kind of party. Good food in plenty, music that makes you want to dance, a mix of adults and children eating and talking and dancing--hmmm. Sound a lot like the free concerts held at a local farm in the summertime.
Dreamflower
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 35: A Long-Awaited Celebration
*sigh*
What a lovely party! How wonderful to hear the arrangements for Gwill to come to the Shire in the summertime! And I have to confess to sqee-ing out loud when you mentioned Gandalf's old guest room! (I suppose that's where Legolas stays on his occasional Shire visits as well.)
This was just beautiful. I adored Pippin's description of the cuisine of Minas Tirith, LOL!
Well, I'd say a good deal more, but I'm off to run an errand! I really look forward to reading about Ferdi and Farry visiting the South,though!
Author's reply
I sort of wondered what happened to Gandalf's old room, and then it occurred to me that it might be kept "as is" as a sort of memorial, just in case a visiting wizard should pop in. So far as I know, Radagast is still in Middle-earth, after all...
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 26 November 2005
· Chapter 34: A Token of Gratitude
Might Haleth join the trip to Gondor? That would be rather fun!
Author's reply
Hmmm. Interesting notion. Hadn't thought about that.
Author Reply: Update: Yes. Definitely. Wouldn't be the same without him.
Pearl Took
· 26 November 2005
· Chapter 34: A Token of Gratitude
I wasn't fooled for a moment, I knew all was being fixed up for the family to return to :) Such a wonderful chapter! Do you have horses? Not many people would know about dressing the horses hooves, it was a wonderful fine point that added to the description of the grandure of the occasion.
"Elessar nodded with a smile. Who was he to gainsay Master, Mayor, and Thain?"
Indeed, he knows better ;)
MEWD!!
Author's reply
Pretty hard to fool you!
I used to have a horse, though sadly I've given up riding. I ruined my knees, running, and cannot ride without so much pain that it spoils the pleasure. But I still have fond memories of that marvellous feeling of having contact with the horse's mouth, such that I could feel the working of its tongue and it could feel the merest twitch of my fingers... the feeling of being so in tune that a shift of my weight in the saddle brought a response... ah, but those were the days.
Thanks!