Larner · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 15: For Whom the Bell Tolls
Sunset is what saves Will? OH, ANYTHING! Aragorn, get a move on!
Author's reply
Well, sunset wins him a reprieve, anyhow. And Aragorn is galloping through the twilight.
Just Desserts by Lindelea
Reviews (203)
Bodkin · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 15: For Whom the Bell Tolls
Heaven forbid, Hunethon, that you should look inefficient. If it didn't suit the purposes of the author to have poor Will dangling until rescue arrives (I hope), I would suggest that the substitute hangman needs a period of retraining, too. Although at least he has managed to grasp that Will genuinely is unconscious. It took him a while, but he got there in the end. And it looks as if Denny and Turambor and Seledrith might arrive before the king - although his healing skills might be required if Will is to do more than survive. If he is cut down by the hangman and proves not to be dead, what is the legal situation, I wonder? Can you be hanged twice for the same offence? Good to bring it back to those who have waited in pain throughout the day for the execution of a justice in which they have had no voice.
Author's reply
Poor Hunethon. It's tough to be an assistant, and have the boss go off and leave you in charge, and find out you weren't quite so good at the job as you thought you were. Very insightful; as a matter of fact, Jack and Will's family did arrive before the King. Played with all sorts of scenarios, but that one was the clearest to "see" and write out. The legal repercussions are interesting... some people have more imagination than others, I think. The Steward is sort of a literal-minded fellow, and since he has been setting the tone while the King was in the South, everyone under him more or less follows his mind-set. He's a good man to have at your side in a battle, though, or any other straightforward endeavour.
harrowcat · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 15: For Whom the Bell Tolls
Sleep well Lindelea! And rise early send us/more. This is my breakfast reading and it is one of the things that makes getting up worthwhile! Your prompt responses also encourage reviews and make for very happy reviewers, (at least speaking for myself!) I am enjoying having contact with people in other lands who take such care over a world that I love reading about. The same stars look down on us all - just not at the same time!
Author's reply
Slept well, thanks. Got up early, typed in the rest of that latest chapter early, and was able to post it when we took a break. Hope that alleviates some of the tension. I too enjoy communing (would that be the word?) with people all over who have the same fascination with that world.
harrowcat · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 15: For Whom the Bell Tolls
You really are stringing this out and leaving us all hanging too Lindelea! *tongue in cheek g*. I was wondering if some devious hobbit couldn't have swapped the gallows rope for a certain piece of elven rope but I suppose it wouldn't have matched! I am glad they didn't go on to dispatch him quickly as he isn't yet beyond our healer King's aid - I hope!
Author's reply
Sorry, it's not (completely) intentional. I'm just too tired tonight to type in any more, and when I found a good stopping place, I... stopped. But we can always hope for more tomorrow. And going to bed earlier means I might be able to drag myself out of bed earlier. You never know. Thanks for taking the time to review! Reviews are very motivating, as you know.
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 14: The Losing Toss
I am horror struck.
Author's reply
*sorry* Don't give up. The King is coming and there is a Higher Power.
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 13: At the End of the Day
I do think Aragorn needs to appoint a NEW Steward for Arnor. This man is a b------. I do not like him. Halladan he AIN'T! Gaack! And I love the healer doing his best to protect both of them, and the tale coming out. Pat poor Diamond on the head, will he? OOOOOOHHHHHH!!!!!!!
Author's reply
The man needs a lesson in hobbits. Or several. Or several hundred. Or maybe he just ought to *live* with hobbits a while, sort of like a foreign exchange student. And in the meantime he needs to learn some realities about women, since he grew up without sisters and he lost his wife too long ago, and besides he was seldom home while she was alive, busy as he was about protecting the Shire... Author Reply: Halladan... Halladan. Can't place that name. Can you help? I am in migraine hangover and my brain is on the fritz.
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 12: The Party's Over
Hooray! The cavalry is coming! It's about time! Hurry, Elessar, hurry!
Author's reply
The sound of galloping horses; music to the ears.
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 11: What the Healer Ordered
Oh, NO! We can't have the man out here NOW! No, No, NO! Come on, Pippin--find another distraction; and, BERGIL! Find the KING! HURRY!!!!
Author's reply
I'm with you. HURRY! (Maybe Bergil ought to have taken Ferdi, the Wonder Hunter and Tracker, instead.)
Dreamflower · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 14: The Losing Toss
Somehow I *don't* think all is lost, here, though everything is screaming that it is. I'll not say more, as if I guess right, I don't want to deal out a spoiler, and if I'm wrong I will be mighty surprised. The Steward looked down. 'I beg your pardon, sir,' he said. 'I do not understand your objection.' Now that it appeared that things were falling into place, he could afford some time to deal with the hobbits and their misapprehensions. They were known for their tender hearts, famous for their mercy (this reputation, of course, reflected men's knowledge of Bilbo and Frodo, the most famous of the Shire-folk, though the rest of the Travellers came in for their share of fame), and for the most part, woefully ignorant of the dangers of the world outside their Shire. Talk about blinkered. He's looking at the three hobbits who faced greater evil than he has ever seen: one who walked the darkest paths of the Black Land itself; one who wrestled mind-to-mind with Sauron himself and managed to hold out, who saw battle before the Black Gate; and one who took a hand in slaying the great enemy of the North, the Witch-King of Angmar; three who led the Shire in expelling all the ruffians within its borders without a single Man to help! This Man needs to get a clue; he is patronizing the *wrong* hobbits, and I have a feeling that his King is *not* going to thank him for it. The Steward smiled and shook his head slightly. How did these Halflings think they knew better what the King would do, than this Man who had served him faithfully for years, yea, even while Aragorn laboured to safeguard the Shire, long years before he claimed the throne? Well, duh, because they are his close and dear friends, who traveled with him for months under the direst of circumstances? Because they are the apple of the King's eye? Because he has made them Councillors of the North and listens to their opinions? This Man definitely is guilty of the most stupendous hubris! Really, he reminds me more and more of another Steward who was blinded by pride...they couldn't be related could they? Ahem. *clears throat* *sorry, I'm getting carried away here*
Author's reply
You are a shrewd guesser, and I'm trying hard not to be too predictable. Do let me know if I succeed in surprising, one way or another? You might not be able to teach an old Ranger new tricks, but something tells me the Steward is in for a training session. My one hesitation... I'm having trouble coming up with a Ranger-ish name that "sounds" right to my ear. Would the Northern Rangers have the same sort of names as the Men of Gondor? Halbarad and Aragorn (and Arargorn's ancestors, who, I think, all start with "Ara" which means royalty, I think) are all I have to go by. He has been "the Steward" all through, for the most part to depersonalize him as he is certainly being impersonal about the whole business, but as soon as Elessar begins to deal with him he is going to have to be named. I would love for him to be Halbarad's older brother, left to guard the Shire when Halbarad went South to support the King, but would his name perhaps start with "H" in that case, or would it be more likely to end in "barad" and have some other prefix attached? O Name-meisterin, lend me some of your wondrous ways with monikers!
Bodkin · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 14: The Losing Toss
Now, I'm trying to be fair. . . . I'm trying. . . . No. The Steward is a know-all idiot. And patronising. Poor little hobbits. How can they possibly understand the evil of a fourteen-year-old child who has risked his life to save their kin? One who has never, since his brief foray into the Shire, done anything even marginally illegal - and who has never done anything cruel. The Steward is clearly right. He must save the poor little suckers from themselves. 'How did these Halflings think they knew better what the King would do, than this Man who had served him faithfully for years, yea, even while Aragorn laboured to safeguard the Shire, long years before he claimed the throne?' How indeed? Could it be because of the circumstances in which they came to know him? Could it be because he counts them, rather than the Steward, among his intimate friends? (He will learn.) I don't quite know how they can think that Will is faking - he would have to be a remarkably good actor. And he's dangling there with a rope around his neck - the only thing to save him now is the arrival of the king. Within the next thirty seconds preferably. And then Will might be able to compare scars with Ferdi. Get that king there - screaming for the hangman to cut Will down before it's too late! Please! You can't orphan young Robin! Or make the hobbits feel like murderers. And a little bit of brutality towards that rather arrogant Steward wouldn't come amiss.
Author's reply
The Steward's punishment will fit, let me assure you. It might seem at first a fate worse than death, to a man who doesn't suffer fools lightly, but the King is indeed wise in his judgments. Poor Ferdi. He hasn't had much, if any role in this story, but he's due for a nasty bout of deja vu (though it must be carefully handled, so as not to pull the threads I'm weaving out of warp). But since this is your prize, and you're fond of Ferdi, well, that could well be enough to pull him into the story, if it can be done right.
harrowcat · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 14: The Losing Toss
Oh you evil Author, truly evil, this is the cliffie to end all cliffies! Come ON Aragorn I know your horse is carrying two but go just a little faster!
Author's reply
Whew! What a relief to read your review! I was afraid my readers would not be talking to me, after this chapter. Don't give up... story's not yet done.
TopazTook · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 13: At the End of the Day
What a stupid Steward! I think he needs to spend some time in his own stocks, noting how harshly punishment can be meted out. I am refraining from wanting him to swing at the end of his own rope...because that would be horribly unhobbity...but this guy brings out the worst in me, including a desire for violent vengeance. Ride, Aragorn, ride!
Author's reply
Ooo, time in his own stocks, what an interesting idea. I bet all the people he's sentenced to the stocks would love to come around with all their rotten vegetables for a little target practice. The sad fact is that he's somewhat temperate, compared to the justice of the Middle Ages that we've been reading about in history class. *shiver* Before the Magna Charta, things were a lot worse and justice a lot harder to find. In a weird way, though, (weird and cruel and downright harsh to our modern sensibilities) he is enforcing the King's justice. They just don't have the modern notion of "innocent until proven guilty" or all those other rights, like the right to a public defender if they can't afford a lawyer, and a trial by jury of peers (that was introduced in the Magna Charta in something like 1215 A.D.) and all those other modern legal protections. They don't even have the right to remain silent. At least there's not a lot of torture committed under Aragorn's reign... *shiver* (Been reading about that, too.) And they try to be "humane" in their taking of life. If you can call it that.
Dreamflower · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 13: At the End of the Day
Talk about pig-headed! You know, this Steward is either totally blinded by something or not right bright. He's been told in no uncertain terms that the King would pardon these two; he *knows* that when it comes to these particular hobbits, the King will deny them nothing, or he should know it. He's clearly giving no thought whatsoever to what the King might actually *want*, but is bull-headedly going on with what *he* wants--a reasonable person would not see a problem in delaying until the King's arrival, and if the King disapproved, let the blame fall on the hobbits. It's almost as if he is afraid Pippin is right, and the two would be pardoned, and he can't stand the thought. Reminds me of Jonah...
Author's reply
I'm afraid this Steward has a touch of Ferdi's malady, except instead of "All Men are ruffians" his motto is more "All ruffians are ruffians". It makes a weird kind of sense but nothing is ever quite so simple, is it? His story will likely come out--the story is a little more complex than I thought at first, and will not end with the King's return as was originally planned, but will cover some of the repercussions resulting from the choices made by various people--Jack, Will, the healer, and even Pippin himself. Speaking of complexities, how is Cado today? There is a warm spot growing somewhere in my heart with his name on it. Author Reply: p.s. It's not all that clear that the King would pardon Will, or it shouldn't be--perhaps I ought to clarify that in the next chapter; the possibility of pardon for the old man is understandable--he's old, and in ill health, and even if he's a ruffian he doesn't have all that much strength to do harm or time left in which to do it; but Will is young, only 24, and has a lifetime yet to do evil... or so the Steward's reasoning goes. Hobbits are well-known for their soft hearts, their mercy, and while they are admired for what a few hobbits were able to accomplish, the Shire-folk as a whole are not viewed as practical folk in the eyes of most Men. However, Elessar has had first-hand experience, learning about the consequences of mercy, and from two of the best teachers: Bilbo and Frodo. Perhaps he can even figure out the most merciful consequences for his Steward.
harrowcat · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 13: At the End of the Day
I was actually beginning to warm to the Steward with his fair sense of justice. I found myself actually agreeing that justice should not be prolonged - except ofcourse in this case. I WAS warming to him until that last comment! Bless the healer and the Valar - his potion got to the right man it seems. Come on Aragorn!
Author's reply
Think of it more as a lack of imagination on the Steward's part. He is a pragmatist, and the idea that Will is drugged is beyond his comprehension--if he'd been told that Will was given a sleeping draught, he'd have acted differently. But so far as his understanding goes, if Will had fainted the buckets of water would have revived him. That leaves him with a more serious explanation--something is physically wrong with Will, and if that's the case there's no point in curing him in order to kill him. Kinder to hang him while he's unawares. Or else Will is faking, in which case it is a kind of dark justice for him to suffer more in dying than if he just "took it like a man". You almost have to pity the Steward; he's in over his head.
Bodkin · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 13: At the End of the Day
A patronising Steward. Patting the sweet little hobbit on the head and ignoring everything she says! After all, it only happened to her, didn't it? How could she possible understand grown up ideas like Edicts and Justice. He is marginally more open around the ears than I thought he might be - at least once the Ernil i Pheriannath started in on him. He does, at least, understand rank. Although he isn't quite bright enough to grasp that this is a situation beyond his control and he will escape it much better if he officially decides that the matter needs to come before the King. And that someone collapsed on the ground, who is not responding to buckets of water and the attention of guards is not faking unconsciousness. Surely there must be some rule against hanging those who won't notice. It must be infuriating to fully adult hobbits to find themselves treated at precocious children by some men. Like the Samuel Johnson comment on women preachers. "Sir, a woman's preaching is like a dog's walking on his hind legs. It is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all." And we're back to patronising! Ride, Aragorn, ride like the wind! Will might still end up jerking at the end of a rope. But at least he won't know anything about it.
Author's reply
Poor patronising Steward, he really needs to get out more. Actually, he needs more hobbits in his life. Talk about suiting the punishment to the offence! About hanging someone who won't notice... see comments above, to another review. He thinks he's doing Will a favour, actually. *shakes head* Another migraine is threatening, so I don't know if the next chapter will post tonight or not. Think good thoughts. Writing is relaxing, to a point, and writing about other people's troubles is a fine way to take my mind from my own. But an aching head makes for dropped stitches. I really wish they'd make caffeine-free chocolate.
harrowcat · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 12: The Party's Over
So now it truly is a race against time! Just how did THAT MAN get to be Steward? Nasty bully *grrr*
Author's reply
He was a very good and conscientious Steward until his son was foully murdered. Now, unfortunately, he has a vendetta of sorts against ruffians. I think he needs a change, don't you?
Dreamflower · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 99999: Author's Note
Continuity. It can be such a bear. The more stories one writes in the same "universe" the more chances one has to mess up. I think you do a remarkable job on the score of continuity--and considering the complexity of plots and the number of your stories it is amazing how well it all holds together. I know how hard it is. And how many times I've had to go in and edit older stories to make them fit newer ones myself, LOL!
Author's reply
I know that you know how hard it is! And you do a wonderful job! It is lots of fun to read a story and hear a tantalising reference to something and wonder if there is a story behind it and find out that there *is*!
Dreamflower · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 12: The Party's Over
Oh dear! This Steward sounds as grim and hide-bound as Denethor ever was, and from the hint you dropped in a previous chapter, perhaps for at least one of the same reasons. I look forward to seeing Aragorn arrive hopefully in the nick of time; in the meanwhile, it's quite possible that Pippin, Merry and Sam will try to make good on what they also hinted at earlier. I would certainly like to see this Steward's face if they should make such an offer... And it could be that this might bring an end to summary hangings without a hearing in Elessar's lands. He is *not* going to be pleased, oh no! Ride like the wind, Aragorn!
Author's reply
Poor Steward. I think he needs to be around hobbits more. "Nick of time". Ah yes. He really ought to give his horse a good swift kick right about now or he's going to come belated. The Steward is very good at legal arguments and splitting hairs, and the hobbits, no matter what tricks are up their sleeves, are going to have their hands full. Do your stories ever take unexpected turns?
Bodkin · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 12: The Party's Over
Ahh. That's how I missed it. I didn't. I was just checking I had reviewed, and the new chapter came up as I did. Not that it makes it any less exciting. I'm just no longer left wondering how I could have missed it!
Author's reply
Well, I'm going to try to post a chapter a day until this story finishes, (which shouldn't take too long unless something unexpected rises up and takes over the plot) unless I get stuck and have to turn to some other story to get unstuck. This story is (sort of) helping me get unstuck in "Thain", as a matter of fact. Writing description and setting up background in that story is driving me up the wall--I want to get right back into action, but the action needs some context laid down first... At least, it didn't work without the context. I only hope the background is not tedious to read!
Bodkin · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 12: The Party's Over
I missed this! I missed it! How did that happen? Oh my. Oh my, oh my. That Steward needs retiring. To a desert island somewhere. Or at least to spend some time learning from Aragorn himself that rigidity is only good in roof beams, and that those who administer justice need to use their brains as well as their law books. The servers and healer escaped - probably there aren't enough whipping posts in Annuminas to deal with them too. But things are not looking good for Haleth and his guards - Pippin, Merry and Sam don't seem to think they can do much to hang things out any longer. I'm rather hoping that Tulerion hasn't provided Will with a lethal dose of whatever it is - or Aragorn might have a job on his hands even if he manages to get there on time. I'm fairly confident that everyone will survive this intact - except possibly Jack and Will, because I'd be very surprised if Aragorn wasn't on the hobbits' side in this. I hope the substitute hangman's temperature shoots up and he faints. Or Will collapses dramatically. Or Pippin and Merry - or Ringbearer Sam attempt to pull rank on the Steward. Ride, Aragorn, ride! Good thing Arwen grasped the difficulty quickly and didn't have Bergil and Hilly sit down and take tea with her. How far are they from the gallows? Arrgghh, I'm in a state of panic! Save those honorary hobbits!!
Author's reply
Oh! Thanks so much for the comments! You've just given me an idea that really is too good to pass up, if I can pull it off. The "Faramir" chapter of "To Tell a Tale" ought to go up today, if LJ cooperates. Please feel free to answer comments. And thanks!
Dreamflower · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 11: What the Healer Ordered
Ooops. I certainly hope the King gets there soon, for it sounds like Pippin's going to have to do some quick thinking...what *will* he do if the Steward pulls rank on him... How very hobbity to use food and drink as a delaying tactic, LOL! And I loved your line about Merry outdoing "Scattergold".
Author's reply
Oops. A very apt summation. I love it when Merry is spreading his gold around... Those generous Brandybucks!
harrowcat · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 11: What the Healer Ordered
What a picnic and what a way to run a hanging! *g* I am not at all sure that we want to meet this steward!
Author's reply
Indeed! Amazing what the influence of hobbits will do...
Bodkin · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 11: What the Healer Ordered
I love it - the obstinate healer, taking half the afternoon to examine Jack (- with Pippin's tacit encouragement). And the whole feeding scene is delightful - I can see the guardsmen accepting it, feeling that they've completely lost the plot and fallen into some kind of parallel universe. It would all be so completely bizarre to them that they would probably have lost the power to question it by now! (Just a shame that someone further from the hobbit spell managed to send one of the men off to seek instruction.) The explanation of Will's heroism is excellent - everyone needs to know of the injustice of the legal response to the Edict here and understand just why Pippin, Merry and Sam are prepared to stand by these men - and between them and the gallows, no matter what. And the Steward? turning up at the last moment. Oh dear - a fight on their hands now! But surely Bergil has managed to unearth the King - it can't take much longer or he'll be coming back on his own to have supper with his lovely Queen. And if that happens, then Diamond and Estella and Rosie will be filling him in on the details. (Couldn't Arwen do a bit of rank-pulling on the Steward? Or is he a rather snotty male-chauvinist kind of Steward who doesn't believe females are capable of joined-up thinking?) This is a very hobbity response to the tedium of waiting. And just how Sam, Merry and Pippin would behave after hours of hanging around and discovering that somebody hadn't eaten for over a day. (Come on, Aragorn! Stop dilly-dallying!)
Author's reply
Actually, Arwen went with Elessar, or the hobbits would have appealed to her to intervene, and she would have. Somehow I don't think the Steward would stand up to Galadriel's granddaughter and Elrond's daughter, no matter how cranky the man is. Yes, the explanation of Will's heroism was necessary, (and to think that stitch was nearly dropped in the knitting!) and not just for the immediate situation, but we are also looking to the future. Thanks again for your input! I am glad you are enjoying your prize. Of course, wouldn't you know it but another story is threatening to spin off from this one, involving the Steward and hobbits... yikes.
harrowcat · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 10: What the Healer Found Out
Crikey - That's what I truly call a quick return to my review Lindelea,Thanks! So, what else shall I wish for? Mmm Someone to find the King who has gone AWoL? Or just a nice hobbit or two to arrive on my doorstep? And as for being scared of dropping plot threads, *raises hand in blessing.* May your plot knitting become ever more tangled and any dropped threads be woven into an ever developing and beautiful pattern. (Sorry, it's late and I am babbling without a drop of liquid refreshment to blame it on! I want to share in the ale too!)
Larner · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 10: What the Healer Found Out
Aha! The stories come out! Excellent! And the Hobbits now have more allies, I think, than they realize in making certain these two receive reward and not the rope! And am so glad you and I both see the rope as cooperating in the need to protect, even if Gwill should be lost in the fall, although I see it made certain he was seen by those intended to save him. Excellent! Now, Bergil, HURRY! Oh, Aragorn--could your horse lose a shoe or something? Bodkin was so lucky to win this story! Heh!