harrowcat
· 18 January 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Oh yes. Be careful Pippin, be very careful! I did love the bit with Merry and Eomer. It is easy to forget the relative ages of the characters and to hear that Eomer is younger than Pippin was startling. I had to grin at the idea of legolas singing to the hobbits for eighty years!
Author's reply
Yes, Eomer is a year younger than Pippin in actual years. You often see characters remark about the Big Folk treating the hobbits as children--I like to think there was a little flip side to that, of the hobbits thinking of some of the Big Folk as younger (in terms of maturity) than they actually were, because of their years. Of course at twenty-nine, Pippin is about eighteen and a half in human years, while at twenty-eight, Eomer is more like about a forty-five year old hobbit. Still, Merry's heart is in the right place, and he knows his King needs comforting.
Well, yeah, fortunately the hobbits found it funny too, and weren't too mad at Legolas. But once more it shows how differently an immortal like an Elf, sees time in relation to the mortals.
And just trust Pippin...
PIppinfan1988
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
So...this is the beginning of Éowyn the Shieldmaiden. Your characterization of her is fantastic. LOL, I try not to repeat things, but to me, your portrayal of her flows right along with You-know-who's portrayal. ;-)
Ah...a birthday party for Samwise. I love a good hobbity party, so I'm looking forward to it.
I like how Menelcar's personality is being fleshed out more and more. It was there in Life of a Bard, but I feel as if I'm getting to know him better in this one. I like him; he is genuinely a good guy--if he wasn't, Frodo would have routed him out of the Shire long ago.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
I am very glad my characterization of her rings true to the readers. I was somewhat worried, as this was my first time to write her, and I certainly had never attempted a "youthful" story for any but hobbits before. Yet it was something I'd had in mind from the first story, when I mention Menelcar had guested in Rohan--I *knew* he'd had an encounter with a young Eowyn.
I love hobbity parties too! I think that's why I write so many of them!
Frodo's an excellent judge of character. He wouldn't have put just anyone up at Bag End in Gandalf's room.
PIppinfan1988
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
"Merry put his hand on his cousin's arm. "Oi, Pip, slow down. Menelcar might have other plans for the day. Let him get a word in edgewise."
LOL, that was cute. I am glad that I went back to read Life of a Bard; it gives this tale so much more depth. LOL, I rather enjoyed that story. :-)
I see that profiting off celebrities has been going on for ages. :-P I'm keeping my eye on this bit of storyline. ;-) LOL, among everything else! I can see this is going to be a well-woven tale that I firmly believe you are gifted for.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, knowing how Menelcar and Pippin met in the first place, and how he came to know the four of them does make it easier to follow.
Do keep your eye on that. It is *not* a red herring...
I like the backstory that you put for the part in one of your other stories that said Legolas could and was willing to stave off their dreams for the rest of their lives. I had read he was willing to, but I didn't realize he had actually tried to!
<>< Saved from sin through Christ,
mj
Author's reply
Well, he did try for a while, until Gandalf caught him. But he made the offer, anyway, LOL!
Ever since I had put that bit in, in my second story, I wondered about the backstory for it--and so decided to flesh it out here. I'm terrible about giving myself bunnies.
Garnet Took
· 13 January 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
A hobbity birthday party; that's what I want next year. That just sounded like so much fun.
Poor Legolas was so busted. Gandalf's right, though, and I think Legolas knows it, but he has as big a heart as any of the hobbits.
Can't wait to see what's up with the plotting scum that's following the hobbits around.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
GT.
Author's reply
Oh, wouldn't *I* love to have a hobbity birthday party! Especially with lots of hobbits...
Legolas does have a big heart. He loves those little guys, and hates so to see them suffer that he fails to see the big picture. Of course, part of that is his Elven sense of time--he really does not quite understand yet the mortal way of looking at things.
We shall soon see what the plotters are up to!
Such a perfectly hobbity birthday, with all those distinguished guests, gingersnaps and lots of food. This was wonderful, and lovely to see Sam so confident. He is not the hobbit he used to be.
I loved Merry and Pip trying to get rid of Sam! And the pleasure Aragorn and Faramir must have felt, being in on the surprise. Aragorn's nonchalant "Fancy that! Is it really?" made me roll about!
Oh, the song! So touching and beautiful. I was travelling through the English countryside last Summer and looked out of the train window and thought I was in the Shire, and that song described it so perfectly.
Author's reply
A hobbity birthday was just what was called for, really. They are all beginning to get homesick--but they have come to love all their other friends as well. Sam has gained in confidence and awareness--you are right that he is no longer the shy and diffident gardener he once was.
Yes, keeping it a surprise was quite a conspiracy, wasn't it?
I am glad you liked the song. I wanted something that would convey the hobbits' longing for their homeland--I'm so pleased you think it fits the bill.
Etharei
· 12 January 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Now, on one hand I CAN'T BELIEVE I only started reading this delightful story today, but on the other it has lessened the cliffhanger angst a bit. A teensy bit, anyway.
I'm ashamed to say that I have yet to read the prequel story to this, but nevertheless I found this story highly enjoyable. Your hobbits are wonderful and lovable, as always, but you took the time to develop the other canon characters further. I especially enjoyed Eowyn's flashback. Menelcar is a well-developed and believable OC, and I can't wait to see how his presence changes the court of Minas Tirith (hopefully for the better!)
Author's reply
Well, I am so glad that you are enjoying it!
Menelcar was very popular in "Life of a Bard", and I was so fond of him myself--it was inevitable that he and Pippin would one day meet again. I am so glad that you enjoyed Eowyn's flashback. This was the first time for me to write of her, and I was a bit concerned about getting her right.
Thanks for stopping by to read and review! Now, I'm eagerly awaiting more of "To Follow an Elf".
Gryffinjack
· 12 January 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
That was quite a birthday party! So many guests, both expected and unexpected. How nice of them to invite some of the men of Gondor and Rohan to the party as well. And to see them all having such a great time! Well done!
I enjoyed following Sam around as he passed out his gifts of ginger snaps to his friends. Sam really is coming into his own. He's no longer just the gardener and servant of Mr. Frodo. Oh, no. He now can actually talk to not only the gentry, but the highest lords of the land including the high king, without hesistation or shyness. Sure, Sam may still feel a bit of shyness and awareness at how far he has come and what his Gaffer would think of it, but he counts the highest of the titled gentry as his friends nonetheless. But when they get back to the Shire, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Sam fell right back into his ways of thinking himself below Mr. Frodo, Mr. Merry, and Mr. Pippin, although he will find them more approachable and a certain bond of friendship with them, especially Frodo.
What a conspiracy this was! Very well orchestrated manouevres to watch over Sam and make sure he returned at precisely the right time! Thoroughly enjoyable!
Those were such lovely words set to "The Road Goes Ever On"! Where do I buy the DVD of Pippin singing it, and all of the other birthday party music, too?
"Sam laughed. "Mr. Pippin, I'm the byrding! You just tell Mr. Frodo and Mr. Merry I said you can have two pieces--two mind you, not three!""
LOL!
"Legolas placed a hand in front of his mouth, as if to suppress a yawn.
Gandalf looked at him sharply, and this time the Elf flushed....
Legolas shrugged. "I would do it for them the rest of their lives if necessary to spare their suffering." He looked up with a glint of defiance. "They have suffered enough already, I think.""
You can't fool Gandalf! He is a wise old wizard and knows precisely what Legolas has been doing. I'm glad he called Legolas on it and will bring it before the hobbits to decide. Despite Legolas' good intentions, I don't think he really understands the problems with what he has surreptitiously been doing. But I really loved that glint of defiance in Legolas' eyes - very in keeping with canon and very telling of his love for and devotion to these hobbits.
This was a great birthday party. But now that it's over, it's time to catch those two oily men and teach them a thing or two about trying to take advantage of our hobbits!
Author's reply
Our Sam's come a long way--a year earlier, and he probably would have been too tongue-tied to even speak to any of these folk, much less give them cookies and regale them with stories of hobbit gift-giving customs, LOL! I don't think that his outward manner with Frodo, Merry and Pippin will seem to have changed much, but Sam does know that they and he *are* friends and on a certain level, equals--however, he's never going to admit that out loud.
Wouldn't it be cool if someone could entice Billy Boyd into making an entire CD of hobbity songs? *grin*
And can't you see the skeptical look Frodo and Merry are going to give Sam when Pippin does claim his cake--*giggle*
Gandalf knows. Legolas still has much to learn about mortals and how they think of such things--he's really not seeing the problem from the perspective of the hobbits, he only knows that it distresses him a good deal to see and hear their suffering when he knows he can relieve it.
Their comeuppance is upcoming. 0:-)
Gryffinjack
· 12 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Menelcar is a wonder! He's just what Aragorn needs to help him turn Minas Tirith around after Denethor's depressing rule. Both being outsiders newly come to the city, both Aragorn and Menelcar will be a breath of fresh air that will breathe life into the White City. I really like the way you have Menelcar becoming friends with the understaff of the King's Court. He definitely is wise.
"Frodo watched as Merry prepared to go to his duty, with the mingled feeling of pride and dismay that he felt every time he saw his younger cousins so array themselves. He was prouder of them than he could begin to say, for all they had accomplished, for the way they had acquitted themselves so bravely and staunchly. Yet still, he felt dismayed at the thought that they had needed to learn a warrior's skills, that it had been necessary for them to kill.
Such a thing was against hobbit-nature, and was bound, sooner or later to
take its toll on them. If the nightmares were anything to go by, it already
had. He sighed.
Merry looked at him sharply. "Frodo, are you feeling guilty again because
Pip and I came along? ... What do you think would have happened to us, with the Black Riders already on your tail? I have spent more hours than you can imagine, worrying about poor Fatty." Merry walked over, and put his hands on Frodo's shoulders. "We were *meant* to come along Frodo. We had things to do as well. Not as important as what you did, but still needing to be done.""
I love this passage. Frodo will always be the older cousin and it is so Frodoish of him to be upset that his younger cousins have learnt to kill, and to blame himself for it. And Merry! I know I've said Pippin is my favourite of our hobbit lads, but lawks Merry makes it a close running at times! This passage made me feel all teary-eyed, with Merry's earnest seriousness and the truth of what he said. They really would not have been safe had they stayed in the Shire. With their fire and determination, Merry and Pippin would have tried to fight back and been ill-equipped and ill-trained to do so. And what Merry says about poor Freddy! They really were great friends; I can easily see Merry, who makes a hobby of worrying, constantly worried about Freddy. And he would have been right to do so. This deserves quoting twice: "We were *meant* to come along Frodo. We had things to do as well. Not as important as what you did, but still needing to be done." Oh, how true that is and how beautifully you said it! I hope that is a statement that Frodo always remembers.
The exchange between Menelcar, Eowyn, and Faramir was wonderful. I'm glad Menelcar "put her out of her misery" and told Eowyn that he remembered her. lol! With Faramir and Eowyn betrothed and to live in Ithilien, it will be nice for Eowyn to have a friend nearby.
Legolas singing to the hobbits all night to chase the nightmares away! I remember that, though not sure which of your stories it was in. It is so thoughtful of him. I enjoyed seeing it more fleshed out here, it's such a lovely moment. And as Legolas does not need normal sleep, he can do it, though I expect it would take its toll on even him over time. Plus, it is not a real solution for the hobbits' problem.
Who would have ever thought that a wandering minstrel in search of a few songs sung by a hobbit would ever come to this! The more I see of Menelcar, the more I like him. He really is loyal, to king, hobbit, and friend alike. Thank you for making Menelcar more than just a minstrel, but a trusted friend who understands how serious things still are and knows enough to report them.
Those two unctuous men remind me so much of your Clovis Banks and Dago Bracegirdle in "A New Reckoning" and "The Road to Edoras." Whatever Aragorn is planning for those two, it has got to be good! With all of Aragorn's experiences, he knows how to set a trap. And Pippin is just the one to help him. He's bound to be furious that those two would try to take advantage of his loved ones, and would want to help them to their just reward. I can hardly wait to see how this plays out!
This is getting so exciting!
Author's reply
I just thought a King who came in the way Aragorn did, out of left field, so to speak, would appreciate having someone around who knew a bit about what it had be like to live a peripatetic life. Menelcar will definitely be able to help King Elessar sweep the cobwebs out of the City.
One thing Frodo and Merry have in common is a good deal of protectiveness and worry for those whom they see as being in their charge. Of course, Frodo, as the oldest *automatically* makes himself responsible for Merry and Pippin, whether that is reasonable or not. And Merry, who is even more of a Brandybuck than Frodo, sees just about *anyone* he cares about as his responsibility--most especially Frodo, whom he has tried to protect since he learned his first word, LOL! And of course, on this occasion, Merry is absolutely right, and though I am sure Frodo will remember his words, I am not so sure he will take them to heart.
Menelcar will be glad to have a friend in her, as well, I am sure!
The first mention of Legolas'keeping the hobbits nightmares at bay was actually in the second story I wrote: WTKCB(Brandy Hall)and though I just tossed the bit in there almost off-handedly, I had wondered about it ever since--how had he come to do that, and why.
He is a good friend. I guess I get that from JRRT. I know how much of what is said about his works being an exploration of mortality and so forth--but to *me* personally, the central and abiding theme is one of friendship. And so I have to look at that from every angle.
They do have a lot in common with Clovis and Dago, don't they? Nasty opportunists who will stick at nothing to get their hands on a little money!
Bodkin
· 12 January 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Good party. I'm sure Sam enjoyed himself thoroughly. Although, thinking of it afterwards and remembering how many gentle-persons were there to help him celebrate will bring on an attack of the Gaffer.
Gandalf has a point about the singing elf. But I would have thought that Strider would have prescribed some Legolas music if he had only thought of it. The hobbits do need some sleep - even if not 'drugged' sleep every night.
The baddies are very slimy. I look forward to them getting their comeuppance.
Author's reply
He did seem to enjoy it. I certainly hope the birthday boy enjoyed having his party as much as I did giving it to him. "An attack of the Gaffer"--LOL! I do love that phrase! And just how it would have been, too, his father's voice in the back of his head telling him he's getting above himeself. But of course, he's truly grown far beyond all that now.
If Aragorn had realized, he very well might have, although I tend to think that's the sort of thing that must be volunteered. They do need some sleep, and the occasional offer of Legolas' help might have been appreciated--but to slip in secretly and do it every night--not the best idea in the world, no matter how kindly Legolas meant it. The Elf still has a good deal to learn about how the mortal mind works.
"Slimy". Yes, they are slimy, aren't they? I find myself quite looking forward to it as well...
Kitty
· 12 January 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
They did work very well together to get Sam out of the way. Though Éomer may've regretted to have asked about hobbit birthday customs :D
The smell of food was as good as an alarm clock for Mr. Pippin. Oh yes, I can imagine! And probably for Merry as well. While I should probably copy Legolas' eating customs ... *sigh* Really, I want to know how the Hobbits do it - to eat so much without getting more broad than high!
That was a wonderful party. And I can't help but think what the Gaffer would say - not only gentlehobbits throwing a party for his Sam, but as guests two Kings, one Princess, and a Prince of Men, an Elven Prince, and two Elven Lords one could probably call Prince, too! *grin*
Author's reply
Yes, they did. Quite a conspiracy, you might say, LOL!
It's a measure of how far Sam has come: he seldom gets a chance to "natter on" to Big Folk without the presence of the other hobbits. A year earlier, he would have been too shy to even offer his gifts, much less accept a breakfast invitation, and too tongue-tied to carry on a conversation like that. But he's had a lot of seasoning, and however much he might think about what the Gaffer would say, it's no longer stopping him from forming friendships, or from speaking his mind.
*chuckle* Marigold and I had a discussion as to whether or not hobbits would have alarm clocks, and came to the conclusion that they possibly *would* have had the wind-up kind. But of course, a hobbit's stomach is the best time-teller of all. I'd love their secret as well--one could make a fortune on it!
Oh my! *giggle* I can't see Sam ever mentioning this party to the Gaffer, LOL! But Merry and Pippin might,in a spirit of mischief. And wouldn't his reaction be priceless!! *snicker*
GamgeeFest
· 11 January 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
What a lovely party! I loved that everyone was in on it and were keeping Sam distracted and busy so his cousins could prepare. I could just imagine them restraining themselves from tossing him for the house. I loved that he writes letters to Rosie (or tries to) to make himself feel closer to her. The song was very pretty and solemn and reflecting their journey well. I wondered how long Legolas would be allowed to continue to tend to the hobbits. While Legolas means well, they need to get on with their healing and they won't be able to do that without the dreams unfortunately. And I'm extremely curious to find out what Strider's plans are for those thugs.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the party!
Yes, everyone was in on it, and it wasn't easy to get Sam out of the way. Thank goodness Aragorn had the foresight to send Bergil down there.
I am sure that the hobbits made attempts to write letters while in Minas Tirith. I don't know that any of them got sent, and if they were, it would have made no difference, as Lotho had stopped the Post (though they were not to know that). But I am quite sure Sam tried to write his feelings out to her, just to think of her and of home.
"Legolas means well." He does, he really does, but his perspective on things is not quite the same as a mortal would have, and he doesn't *quite* get that they do need to work through those dreams themselves--and though his help might be useful from time to time, it shouldn't be imposed on them without their say-so, night after night.
You will be finding out about the scoundrels as soon as I get just a bit more back from Marigold...
harrowcat
· 11 January 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I doubted the wisdom of Legolas staving off the Hobbit dreams as there will be no one to help them when they reach the Shire. I really loved the party tho'
Author's reply
Legolas definitely means well. We shall see what comes of it.
The party was fun--I love to write hobbit parties! 8-D
Pearl Took
· 11 January 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
" "We are absolutely sure," said Merry. Would he never leave? They had dozens of things to do to get ready for the party."
I love the "Would he ever leave?". LOL
Thank you again for this fun tale.
And now . . . back to the plots of the scoundrels . . .
Author's reply
Well, it's a little difficult to set up a surprise party with the byrding hanging about underfoot, LOL!
I'm so glad you are enjoying it!
shirebound
· 11 January 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
"Fancy that!" said the King with a straight face. "Is it really?" He did not ever lie straight out, but decades among the Elves had taught him the subtleties of omission.
I do love that line! And I love Sam's choice of birthday gift. Yum.
Author's reply
I figure Aragorn would have learned all the tricks of evasion growing up among the Elves, LOL!
I just thought gingersnaps sounded like a nice hobbity thing for Sam to make! 8-D
Tigger
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Never review when in a rush. This would be Canada's National Figure Skating Championships of course. Sheesh!! Sorry about that!!
Author's reply
I kind of figured that out, since they were in Ottawa, LOL! Have fun! I love to watch figure skating!
Have a nice trip, and come back safely!!
Tigger
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Oh come on...Holewarming present? You're just leaving it there? You can't do that!!
Anyway...Happy Menelcar accepted Aragorn's offer. He really is the perfect Bard for the new King. I'd love to say more, but at my sister's and will be gone for most of the week in Ottawa attending our National Figure Skating Championships here in Ottawa, so don't be surprised if this is the last review you see from me for a little bit.
I am looking forward to see what's rolling around in that devious mind of Aragorn. If judging from Pippin's expression, this should be good. :oD
Author's reply
Check out Ch. 20 of "Conspiracy of Hobbits" for the details on Pippin's holewarming gift for Lobelia and Lotho.
Aragorn *can* be devious, can't he? That's why Pippin is the perfect person for this.
So much to love in this chapter. I fell off the chair giggling at the idea of Aragorn 'growling'!!!!!! :-)) Made my day - and almost made me late for work!
I'm so glad Menelcar has chosen to take up the post of Court Bard. He and the King have led similar lives, wandering in the wild, so they should understand each other.
I really hope those horrible Men who are plotting against our hobbits get what is coming to them! Yay!
Author's reply
I'm glad I made your day, and hope you were not late!
If anything could make Aragorn growl, it would be a threat to his hobbits, don't you think?
Exactly! He and the King are somewhat kindred spirits, and Menelcar is just what Aragorn will need to shake up Gondor, after all those years with Denethor.
Oh, they'll get their come-uppance all right! *grin*
Kitty
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Menelcar is accepting his new post? Very good! Of his thoughts on the matter I loved particularly that he based his opinion of the King at least partly on the trust the hobbits have shown to Aragorn. And he remembers Éowyn :)
So this was how it started that Legolas relieved the nightmares? No wonder they sometimes rued they had declined his offer to do it forever if he was so successful.
Hmmm ... these men want to get money from the hobbits? Nice idea, but I have the suspicion they will get a very bad surprise instead! How good Menelcar overheard this! And thanks to his new position he was able to go straight to the right people to take care of the problem! That’s getting interesting!
But now you have me wondering – what was the holewarming present for Lobelia? I can’t remember a story about that! Is that my memory or doesn't the story exist as yet?
Author's reply
Yes, Menelcar will be Aragorn's new Court Bard. And anyone who has known hobbits is going to trust their judgement of people.
And this was the start of it. Legolas means well.
Some people always look for an angle or advantage. Unfortunately, this bunch has fixed on our lads as marks.
The "holewarming gift" was in Ch. 20 of "A Conspiracy of Hobbits"; Pippin left a little present behind before he, Frodo and Sam left Bag End that last evening.
Garnet Took
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
This chapter had so much in it that I don't know where to start. You are capturing the day-to-day lives of everyone so well. Your little details, like Menelcar leaving the coins for the buskers and Aragorn putting his tongue in his cheek to think, were terrific.
Legolas trying to help the hobbits sleep is so sweet. He probably shouldn't do that, but his heart is in the right place.
This little plot by these low-life men is going to be "fun", at least for us readers.
Oh, and just what holewarming gift did Pippin leave the S-B's? Enquiring minds want to know.
GT.
Author's reply
Thank you! *grin* I always like it when people tell me they like details. I always worry that I put too many in.
"Legolas trying to help the hobbits sleep is so sweet. He probably shouldn't do that, but his heart is in the right place."
Don't be looking over my shoulder now! Legolas may be surprised...
"Low-life" is a good word for them. Wait'll you see what Aragorn has in mind...
Pippin's little "gift" for the S.-B.s is in Ch. 20 of "A Conspiracy of Hobbits". Let us just say that Lobelia and Lotho were not nearly so amused as Pippin was...
shirebound
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I'm just so very happy for Menelcar; such a lovely change of fortune for such a good Man. And Legolas is such a dear friend, easing the hobbits' dreams so gently.
Author's reply
It's a good change of fortune for him, isn't it?
And Legolas, of course, will do anything to help his hobbits.
Pearl Took
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Ah ha! The plot thickens ;)
I love that Legolas is helping our lads sleep better - sneaky Elf :)
I love that Menelcar accepted the position and I love that part of his reason is to help his mother and sister.
As always a wonderful tale ful of wonderful details.
Well done :) :)
Author's reply
Yes, nothing like a stirring to thicken a plot! *grin*
He has a good many reasons to accept, and that is not the least of them. The list of reasons *not* is very short. He's giving up the right to come and go as he pleases, to sleep on the ground, go hungry sometimes, go days without an audience sometimes, walk through difficult terrain mile after mile...oh, he's giving up so much...
I am very glad you are enjoying it!
harrowcat
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I can't believe that I haven't reviewed this story AT ALL, Dreamflower! But I have been lurking in the background and enjoying every word of it. I am yet another of the 'can I read just another chapter....paragraph....phrase...word and still get to work on time brigade? So please assume that I am reading and enjoying and I will try to portion my time better. 'So many good stories, so little time.' *happy sigh.*
One bed & four hobbits. Another hobbit pile! *g* and I do like the idea of Legolas singing through the night.
Court Bard eh? Well if Pippin can go from an under-age Hobbit from an unknown land to a Captain of the Guard then there is hope for us all.
I also love the way that you are using the songs, especially the one of the 'Merry old inn.'
Author's reply
I know that feeling very well--since I retired this summer, I no longer have to worry about work--but I have been late or nearly late for other things due to trying to read "just a leeetle bit more..." LOL!
I have loved the idea of a hobbitpile ever since I first heard of it. And I have even come up with a theory to rationalize it.
The idea of Legolas singing away their bad dreams is one I've had for a very long time.
Good point! LOL!
Bodkin
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
It'll be a bit of a culture shock becoming part of the establishment! But then, when the establishment is a ranger trapped in stone, maybe it's not that bad.
Nasty villains trying to trick the hobbits - and Legolas singing them to sleep. Not to mention Sam's party. There's a lot going on here.
I was feeling sorry for Denethor the other day. Bonkers, yes; not a particularly loving father to his second son; but stuck with ruling a country on the brink of disaster with very little he could do to make matters better. I can see he wouldn't want mystical hopes burgeoning in the lower circles - life was grim and heroes out of legend weren't about to come and make it better. Life would have been all taxes and compromises and service. And then, of course, heroes did spring out of legend and snatch victory - and all his years of careful work came to mad end on a funeral pyre.
Author's reply
I like your description of the King. "Trapped in stone"--yes, he is going to feel that way a good deal of the time; a kindred spirit like Menelcar will be of some help in aleviating that problem.
Yes, I do have a lot going on. When I started chasing this particular bunny, I had no idea of the direction it would take me, and was quite surprised myself when Menelcar managed to overhear the Baddies.
I don't often feel sorry for him. My perception of him has not changed a great deal in the last 38 years, and I always found him cold and proud, before he ever went mad. But as you say, he did have a lot to have to deal with.
GamgeeFest
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Very curious to see what the King is plotting up for those scum. I'm glad Menelcar took the job and I enjoyed his little interaction with Faramir and Eowyn. Legolas singing to the hobbits through the night was a lovely touch. I could just see him doing that.
Author's reply
Let's just say that Strider knows how to set up a sting--and I'm not talking about Frodo's sword...
I don't think there was much chance of turning it down: he is fascinated by the new King, and very impressed with how much Aragorn cares about the hobbits.
Way back when I wrote my second story ever ("When the King Comes Back--Brandy Hall"), I mention in passing that Legolas sometimes sat with the hobbits and sang away their bad dreams. Now I am finally getting to show what happened...