Tari
· 26 February 2016
· Chapter 16: Executing Justice
What a wonderful story even if it was over way to soon. I love it when writers walk thru the doors Tolkien left open in his tales and fill in as they see fit. Now I shall have to find something else to read. I wish people weren't so busy. There are several stories I have been reading that I would like to see completed.
Author's reply
Thank you (belatedly!) for your warm encouragement! I'm with you – I always rejoice to find a thoughtfully crafted gap-filler. Unfortunately, at the time you read this story and left a review, I had gone back to work, and my hours were consumed with editing scientific papers and dissertations and such to the point where I didn't have the time nor the energy to read fanfic, much less write anything.
Now that I've retired, my goal is to finish all my WIPs. I've been plugging away at them for almost a year now and have made some progress, finished some of the stories and am progressing on others. Here's hoping...
Thanks so much for your lovely reviews over the years. Even if you never happen to see this reply, I hope you are well and that life is good to you.
Eruherdiriel
· 27 May 2014
· Chapter 16: Executing Justice
You did a very good job writing Merry as he was worried about his friends, without overdoing things. Merry's cold hand was a nice touch.
~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Thank you! Appreciate your taking the time to comment.
storyfish
· 16 July 2007
· Chapter 4: Holding On
HA! I've finally figured it out. When I was writing "Come and Catch Me," the image of a young pippin up in a tree coupled with Merry's despair at Pippin's injuries kept coming back to me. I was pretty sure this idea wasn't from my own imagination, but I couldn't get it out of my head (or figure out who or what story I could have stolen it from) so I ignored my fears and assumed that I'd made it up myself, no matter how familiar it sounded.
I should've known it would be from one of your stories I read a long time ago! (And from this very chapter!) I think I'm going to have to add an author's note to the story now--saying that it isn't just LotR fanfiction, it's Lindelea fanfiction! (Inspired by "LifeWatch"? Response to "LifeWatch"? Shamelessly unconsciously plagiarized from "LifeWatch"??)
*sigh!!!* Did you see the similarities all along? You must have! *yikes!* I wonder what else I stole?
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, right? If that's so, at least I imitated the best! ;-)
And just so you know, I'm enjoying rereading this tale.
Author's reply
Aha. Well, you know, quite a few of us have written Pippin up a tree, or falling out of a tree, and so perhaps it isn't so much of a "plagiarism" as might be thought.
D'y'know, I have the same fear... that a turn of phrase, or a conversation, or a description, that comes so easily to my mind, might be from some other writer whose works I devoured years ago... Norton, or Asimov, or McCaffrey, or Sharra, to name a few.
Whether or not you took an image from this chapter, you wove an entirely new pattern in the cloth (to mix a metaphor), and so I took and still take no offence, especially where none was intended.
*hugs*
Credit is always nice, of course. *g*
Author Reply: p.s. it is always nice to hear some feedback, too.
Tari
· 16 February 2007
· Chapter 4: Holding On
I'm so glad I found this story. I went to the MEFAward2006, but got a message that your story was pulled because it had been reviewed previously.
It's absolutely wonderful! I can't wait to read more. The Elves are my favorites, but I will read any Tolkien based story as long as it catches my attention. Yours definitely did.
Author's reply
Yes, it was in a previous MEFA and if I'm remembering right, didn't get any comments at all. So of course your encouraging words are much appreciated.
LOL about the Elves. I have a hobbity fixation, myself. I will very occasionally read Elf-centred stories (such as those by Bodkin or Nilmandra) or man-centred (I am brain-dead tonight and cannot think of any author but Boz4pm and yet I know there are others), but hobbits, if they are not written as fools (unless, of course, they are fools), are what I tend to read. When I have reading time, that is. At the moment I'm too busy to read much, and haven't had time to write at all since Christmas holidays were over.
Ah, well. Summer's coming.
Hope you enjoyed the rest of the story, and thanks for taking the time to seek out the story (Marta told me) and leave feedback.
Bodkin
· 14 July 2006
· Chapter 16: Executing Justice
Pippin shrugged. 'O I don't know. Kingly stuff, I suppose. Polishing his crown, practicing walking without tripping over his royal robes and whatnot.'
Sums it up nicely.
And it's a stupid law. A seriously stupid law. Everybody is skipping with glee that Faramir was saved - the very idea of executing the person who made it possible is ... absolutely typical of men.
I suppose it's a good thing that Pippin didn't know until now - although it was a dreadful burden for Merry.
Thank goodness Aragorn was able to come up with a solution that worked! And fitted Beregond's actions, too. But that wait - from the siege all the way through until after the coronation - must have been appalling for Beregond and his family. I expect Bergil's scarred for life!
I can see Merry enjoying this celebration even more than Pippin will.
Andrea
· 13 July 2006
· Chapter 16: Executing Justice
'Beregond...' Pippin murmured, wiping at his eyes with a hand that trembled, for some reason. 'I don't know what to say.'
'You, speechless?' Beregond laughed. 'This is an historic occasion!'
Wow! I feel like Pippin :)
What a tension! And then it resolves into laughter!
A perfect ending, Lindelea.
And the last sentence made me really happy:
As they walked from the garden, Merry joined in the laughter. He fully intended to live up to his name.
Thank you! You made my day!
demeter d
· 12 July 2006
· Chapter 16: Executing Justice
A lovely touch, to use the final chapter of "To See Justice Done" which was from Sam's point of view, anf re-work it to see through Merry's eyes. Even though it seemed more and more familiar with each word, I still found myself reading it with a lump in my throat until Beregond stepped into the Garden. Very nicely done!
Author's reply
Yes, I confess that I often lift scenes from stories in order to retell them from a different POV. Hope it's not too much like cheating, but it would be too cumbersome in a story to show *everyone's* viewpoint, so I keep revisiting.
Both "To See Justice Done" and "LifeWatch" lifted this scene from a very early story, "Choices", which tells the story of Beregond's and Pippin's friendship from Beregond's point of view, all the way to their parting as the hobbits ride north.
Glad that the scene still had impact even though it was already familiar.
Thanks!
harrowcat
· 12 July 2006
· Chapter 16: Executing Justice
This ending is brilliant Lindelea. The garden seems such an appropriate place for people to wait for their loved ones. Sorry about the computer problems Lindelea.
Author's reply
I figured the garden must be a long-standing tradition. I can't see Denethor setting it up. His wife, maybe. But it might have been there for centuries, for that purpose, for all I know.
Pearl Took
· 11 July 2006
· Chapter 16: Executing Justice
" 'Beregond...' Pippin murmured, wiping at his eyes with a hand that trembled, for some reason. 'I don't know what to say.'
'You, speechless?' Beregond laughed. 'This is an historic occasion!' He gave a last hug to his family, then gently shook them free. 'Come, let us leave this place,' he said. 'We don't belong here.'
He looked at Pippin. 'Master Perian, are you still sick of celebrations, as I heard you say the other day?'
'No,’ Pippin said huskily, and cleared his throat. ‘I think I could manage one more,' he added, his voice clear, strong and glad.
The guardsman grinned. 'Good. We have something to celebrate after all.' His gaze encompassed the other hobbits. 'Bring your friends; we'll show them how we guardsmen make merry.'
As they walked from the garden, Merry joined in the laughter. He fully intended to live up to his name."
A thousand Bravos!! :) :) Thunderous applause!!! MEWD, dear Lindelea :)
Author's reply
Ah, yes, all the angst was worth it when we reach the conclusion. Whew. If I didn't have the ending clear in mind I don't know that I could write the middle.
*hugs*
Thanks for your encouragement.
shirebound
· 11 July 2006
· Chapter 16: Executing Justice
What a wonderful ending to a wonderful story. *hugs it*
SlightlyTookish
· 1 July 2006
· Chapter 15: Anticipating
At last I've caught up again! I'm enjoying this story very much, especially how the hobbits are growing weary of the celebrations and Merry's memories of the Shire (in one of the earlier chapters). I think they're nearly ready to go home :)
Author's reply
Glad to hear you've caught up! (Reading time certainly can be difficult to find!)
I think they're nearly ready to go home, too. I don't remember exactly how long they stayed after the Coronation. Would have to look at the Tale of Years or whatever it's called to make sure.
Bodkin
· 29 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Anticipating
If even Pippin feels there have bee too many feasts - there have definitely been too many feasts!
But poor Beregond is still waiting for Aragorn to come up with something - while Merry has still managed to keep Pippin in ignorance. I don't know that it's wise to keep it from him still - I reckon he would be very, very upset if Beregond were to die. Fortunately...
Author's reply
And if *Pippin* feels that way, just think how *Strider* feels!
And more feasts and celebrations just around the corner, I expect.
harrowcat
· 27 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Anticipating
Oh Pippin! *g* And poor Merry that particular turn of the conversation certainly put a dampener on his mood.:(
Author's reply
Yes, sometimes it's difficult to keep a good face on the matter when you know something that someone else doesn't. (And isn't supposed to.)
Pearl Took
· 27 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Anticipating
"His cousins laughed, and he put a hand over his heart. 'Don't do that to me!' he said dramatically. 'I think I've lost an inch of my height from the shock.' He eyed the tea tray. 'I need another cake to fortify myself.'
'You can have one of mine,' Frodo said. 'I couldn't eat another bite.'
'But Mr Frodo...' Sam protested.
Frodo turned on him. 'Don't you go offering him your share, Samwise Gamgee. You gave up enough meals on my behalf. You're done with such foolishness.'
'It's all right,' Pippin said off-handedly. 'I'll just eat Merry's share.'
'You already have,' Merry answered.
Pippin looked at the tray, surprised. 'O,' he said. 'So I have.'"
***********************
That is perfect!! I love it :)
Poor Merry, still bearing the burden of not telling Pip about Beregond.
Author's reply
LOL. I love it when people quote their favourite bits. (I need to do more of that, myself!)
Andrea
· 27 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Anticipating
'Well, the next time a guardsman comes with one of those fancy invitations, tell him I'm not at home. I'm going to run off with Bergil and have an adventure instead.'
LOL! Well, at least Pippin is himself again!
Merry still fears the king's judgement on Beregond. It's really terrible for the reader to know for certain that there is nothing to worry about, but to have no means to make this known to Merry ;-)
On the other hand, I like suspense...
Author's reply
Ah, there is something to that sweaty-palm, pounding-heart feeling.
(Used to be a roller-coaster junkie. Ah, that slow climb up the big slope...)
shirebound
· 27 June 2006
· Chapter 15: Anticipating
Unabashed, Pippin grinned. 'It was quite a spectacle, wasn't it?' he said. 'Imagine, scruffy old Strider, a king!'
'O hello, Strider!' Frodo called cheerfully, and Pippin whirled.
*snickers* Love those hobbity moments!
Author's reply
BTDT. So much of real life is useful in writing, don't you agree?
Bodkin
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 14: Celebrating
The minstrel did a very good job if he could move those who experienced some of the events as much as he did!
What a wearing way to spend the day you first woke up, though. I'm not surprised Sam is a bit confused. Still - everything will probably begin to seem a bit more normal after a good night's sleep. Maybe.
Author's reply
I know I've seen summaries for a story or two about that minstrel, but I hadn't given him a lot of thought before this. (Actually, his offering his instrument to Frodo and Sam came into this story in the re-write... it seemed the right thing to do at the time.)
And now I find myself wondering about that minstrel. Was he there at the Black Gate? Did he despair of his life? Did he fight in desperation against overwhelming odds? Did his heart leap at Gandalf's cry? Was he among the first to see the Ring-bearer as the Eagles landed? Did his hands help to carry them to where the healers were working? Did he, perhaps, himself carry Samwise?
Pearl Took
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 14: Celebrating
"He drew deep breaths of the fresh, green air of Ithilien as the tale concluded and the minstrel bowed before the hobbits on the throne, offering his instrument before him, in homage, as if, once such a tale had been played and sung, the harp could never play again any lesser song."
Such beautiful imagery!
I loved Eomer putting his hand on Merry's shoulder during the ballad.
MEWD!!
Author's reply
Ah, thank you. I never really noticed the minstrel before, but in going over the scene I began to wonder about him. How was it that he was chosen to render such an important ballad?
Whew. July's coming, and I am eagerly looking forward to reading your new chapters. It seems like an eternity since I had some daily reading time.
Pearl Took
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 13: Washing Troubles Away
A haunting chapter. All Merry's innocent thoughts of a happy, unspoiled Shire awaiting his return . . .
*sigh*
At least they will be able to handle setting things all to rights when they do get home.
Wonderfully done, m'dear :)
shirebound
· 20 June 2006
· Chapter 14: Celebrating
It's so wonderful to view all this from Merry's POV. I especially enjoy experiencing with minstrel's song with him, and how you're filling in all the little gaps in this part of the Tale.
Author's reply
Those gaps just beg to be filled, don't they? *g*
I think if I had time for another epic, I'd set myself to imagining the minstrel's tale. Somehow he caught at my imagination during the re-write of this story, when the image of him offering his harp to Sam and Frodo came so clearly to mind.
But at the moment *that* little idea is way back, way way back, on the list. And it's likely already been done, and done with excellence, by someone else. I know I've seen at least one story summary here on SoA though I don't know who the author was.
Ah. The advantages of having royal connections. I wonder he isn't indignant that he is not also recognised as being an ernil. After all, Master of Buckland is as important as Thain.
Thoughts of going home must be wonderful here and now. The worst dangers are past and the world is - quite unexpectedly - saved. All those thoughts that Merry has been subduing in order to concentrate on the now can be allowed to surface.
Busy day ahead!
Author's reply
LOL, I think Merry's more mature than that... He finds Pippin's princely status amusing, I think. (Especially since the Muse decided that the phrase "Ernil i Pheriannath" sounds something like an obscure Dwarvish cuss-word, familiar to Tooks. Poor Frodo and Merry, trying to keep straight faces, later on in Minas Tirith, as men "honour" their young cousin while, by Tookish standards, cussing him out. Hmm...)
PIppinfan1988
· 7 June 2006
· Chapter 10: Mustering Courage
Oy! I had a sinking feeling in my gut the whole time I was reading this! I'm still hoping that something else will stay Beregond's execution (we know from reading the books that it does, but as they say, the tale is in the telling). Another excellent chapter. :-)
Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988
· 7 June 2006
· Chapter 9: Pondering
Breathing a sigh of relief!...the injured hobbits are all faring nicely. :-) Except Merry. Merry's internal battle with Men's Laws, and the discourse between him and King Eomer kept me riveted. Loved it. :-)
Pippinfan
PIppinfan1988
· 7 June 2006
· Chapter 8: Getting Better
Poor Merry is really having tough time of it. Pippin, bless his heart, is starting to reverse his and Merry's roles. Excellent ending to the chapter.
Pippinfan
Ok... the most overwhelming impression I got from this chapter was... "Merry tested the water in wonder. It was hot, and clean. He would be the first to use this tubful." YIKES!!
Ok, I knew that families used to share tubs of water for bathing, but never thought about it in this sort of situation. Of course they couldn't be emptying and refilling for each person but still... EW! The shower is a modern convenience I'd be hard pressed to do without!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, I love my shower. Sometimes I get my best plot ideas in the shower. (Strangely enough, rush-hour traffic is also a wonderful imagination-stimulant.)
Thanks!