Someone As You Can Trust by Lindelea
Bodkin · 7 May 2006 · Chapter 2: A Conspiracy Unmasked
Well - they seem to have got past his ostrich phase of wanting nothing bad to have happened and Frodo is now willing to listen. I don't think he'll much like what he hears, though, so I hope he manages to keep quiet as a difficult tale is told. I love Gimli's muttering. The dwarf is a star.
Author's reply
Well, they're doing their best to muddle the tale. Seems to me they should have got the minstrel to tell it. Much easier that way.
harrowcat · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 2: A Conspiracy Unmasked
Oh this is just great Lindelea. The more they try to spare him the more worried poor Frodo is going to get. Out with it lads and do try to be coherent for the sake of the notes that Frodo is going to have to make for Bilbo! I am quite surprised that Gandalf hasn't stepped in more yet. But maybe he is enjoying the confusion! It seems strange to laugh but the bottom line is that all four of them are together again and, mostly, fairly hale and, sort of, whole!
Author's reply
Well, it seems that Gandalf made something of a rash promise to Merry and Pippin. It really is better to tell the truth, don't you think? I mean, tell the truth and be ready for the consequences, even if they think it might make Frodo faint or something. After all, they can catch him, and fan him, and ply him with wine. But he's proved to be made of sterner stuff than that, so I really don't know what all the fuss is about. Sometimes the anticipation is so much bigger than the actual problem.
storyfish · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 2: A Conspiracy Unmasked
Oh, yay! Updated again! This scene continuation is great--if Pippin collapsing did't give everything away, I don't know what would. And I'm glad it sounds like they've stopped dissembling and Merry's ready to launch into the tale--Frodo was about to pop from trying to figure everything out with just their dark little hints to work on. The question is now...is Merry strong enough to tell it? I know that Pippin's physically unSTEADY ;-) right now, but I think Merry's lack of sleep and prolonged worry makes him more emotionally unsteady. Yikes! Can't wait to see how this plays out.
Author's reply
Updated again, and little more than a month later. *hugs*
Larner · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 2: A Conspiracy Unmasked
Yes, the first of the tale ought indeed come from Merry at this point. Well, well done, Lindelea.
Author's reply
Thanks! Yes, considering that Merry was unconscious for the first part of the captivity with Orcs, he'd be the logical one to avoid the issue... *g*
Larner · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 1: ...Or Following You Like Hounds
And he learns at last that his cousins went through their own baptism by fire and the sword before he was fully across the lake above Rauros. Lovely characterization of Frodo--exactly right!
Author's reply
O thank you! I'm always worried about doing the characters justice, so it's nice to have a reassurance from one who writes him so well. ...and you have started a new story! I just saw it, and littlest is still asleep (she's slept, on and off, for most of the day and I even got a two-hour nap myself--so much for school today, but as we school year-round we can take a day off here or there and I was a wreck trying to correct their maths this afternoon, I can tell you!) - anyhow, if she doesn't waken in the next few minutes I'm going to sneak a peek! Nice news that you might be coming down. Perhaps if the weather is like today we can have a picnic tea. Would that suit? Author Reply: oops, I just heard a waking-up groan from the bedroom, so it'll have to be the next time I'm online, if I time it right.
Pearl Took · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 2: A Conspiracy Unmasked
Poor Pip! His injuries gave them away a bit too well. I do like his asking how he can hush and yet tell Frodo his story at the same time. LOL Looking forward to more. Great job, Lin!
Author's reply
I remember that conundrum: being told to hush, while at the same time expected to explain something. Thanks!
shirebound · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 2: A Conspiracy Unmasked
I do love your words like 'woozled'! And you missed most of the battle before the Black Gate,’ Gimli put in. Pippin brightened and turned to him – anything! – to get away from Frodo’s grim stare. ‘That’s right, I did! I was out of that battle fairly early That wily lad. *grins* Isengard!’ Sam said, startled. ‘I thought we were doing our best to stay away from Isengard!’ ‘Yes, well,’ Gandalf began, and cleared his throat, looking at Merry. ‘Very well,’ Merry said. ‘All’s well that ends well,’ Gimli put in helpfully. Oh this is just too adorable, Lindelea. Loving it!
Author's reply
I must give at least partial credit for "woozled" to Winnie-the-Pooh, who used to take tea here regularly, and sometimes still stops in for old times' sake. Thanks!
Laureleaf · 21 April 2006 · Chapter 1: ...Or Following You Like Hounds
The antics of hobbits! Frodo wants to believe that Pip and Merry were safe and snug away from battle - and they are STILL trying to protect him (from the reality of what they faced). Now i'm frustrated, as I wanted to read strait through to see how it played out, but it has yet to do so! Can't wait for the next chapter, it's been a great telling so far.
Author's reply
Thanks for the encouragement! I don't have much time for writing until summer comes, but had a little free time today to type a bit more in. I am hoping to wrap this up soon, but it keeps stretching on... rather like reluctant hobbits not wanting to distress their older cousin, and trying to figure out how to put the light, hobbity way of talking aside long enough to tell him what he wants to know.
Pearl Took · 20 April 2006 · Chapter 1: ...Or Following You Like Hounds
They are keeping back a goodly deal, Mr. Baggins. But you'll be proud of them at the end of their tales :) Well done, as always, Lin :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl. I'll bet he'll practically burst his buttons with pride, by the end of their tales... (after being suitably horrified, of course)
storyfish · 19 April 2006 · Chapter 1: ...Or Following You Like Hounds
Oh, my! I think that this telling-of-tales scene is definitely not written about enough, and you're certainly drawing out the suspense! I'm biting off all my fingernails (so my fingers will look like Elijah's *snrk!*) while waiting to find out how Pippin and Merry will break their news to Frodo and how he'll react! There are some wonderful moments in here already--including your description of Merry and Sam standing back to back (as if they were in a battle!), and Merry's outburst because he was tired, and Frodo's unfortunate choice of words when Pip fell on him that hit Gimli and Merry where it hurts. If you can't tell, I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter! This is so good that I've read these chapters a few times over again, in hopes I've missed some more by accident. :-D Oh, and by the way, thanks so much for reccing me @ Marigold's! I didn't discover it until a week or so later, I think, since I've been so busy lately and it was such a pleasant surprise. :-)
Author's reply
Thanks! It's something I've wondered about... just how did they go about telling Frodo what all they'd done? Hey, wanted to ask if I could put one of your stories up for the MEFA awards, but I've misplaced your email address.
Grey Wonderer · 19 April 2006 · Chapter 1: ...Or Following You Like Hounds
I, once again am loving Gimli as he rushes to the defense of Pippin and Merry. I also feel so very sorry for Frodo once he learns how close he came to the truth with his remarks about being "crushed to crumbs" and hears the full tale of the Orcs and their treatment of his cousins. Still enjoying this very much.
Author's reply
Yes, Gimli has really grown on me.
Bodkin · 19 April 2006 · Chapter 1: ...Or Following You Like Hounds
Frodo really wants to think they've been safe, doesn't he? Bad enough they were in the same country as a battle - he certainly doesn't want to imagine the trials that took them there. Better, I think, for him to learn sooner rather than later what actually happened to them after he and Sam disappeared off to do their duty. Although he will be angry - probably disbelieving - and then feel even more guilty.
Author's reply
*sigh* Poor Frodo. I've had that feeling before. Don't tell me, I don't really want to know... no, not-knowing is worse than knowing... so tell me...
Dreamflower · 18 April 2006 · Chapter 1: ...Or Following You Like Hounds
Oh dear! Did Merry and Pippin *really* think they were going to keep all they had been through from Frodo? I can't think how they thought they were going to accomplish that! There they are in a campful of people who would be brimming with tales of the Ernil i Pheriannath and of the small hero who rode among the Rohirrim and helped slay the W-K. How did Frodo think they had attained their new rank? Better he hear it from them first, really... Although I can't blame them for wanting to avoid his reaction...
Author's reply
I don't think they're thinking all that clearly. I imagine they only wanted to keep it from Frodo for a little while, so as not to tarnish the brightness of the day. And after hearing about the Tower, in the minstrel's ballad, they're not sure how Frodo would react to their being captives of Orcs...
shirebound · 18 April 2006 · Chapter 1: ...Or Following You Like Hounds
O, poor Pippin trying to keep Frodo from finding out that he was injured, and poor Merry -- who was more wounded by being 'left behind' more than once, than anything else that happened to him. *hugs hobbits gently*
Author's reply
You know, I never really thought of that. Merry *was* left behind a number of times, wasn't he? And the whole Conspiracy started because of his determination *not* to be left behind.
Grey Wonderer · 9 April 2006 · Chapter 0: No Laughing-Matter
This is lots of fun so far. I am enjoying the teasing and the banter between the hobbits. A light moment after such dark times. I do hope that there is more posted soon. You currently have me hooked on two of your stories.
Author's reply
oo, hooked on two of my stories, music to my ears. I wish I had some free time for reading, but it'll have to wait for summer days by the local pool while the little ones are putting in practice for swim team. Still, have ordered extra ink to print out all those lovely stories, including yours!
Bodkin · 8 April 2006 · Chapter 0: No Laughing-Matter
Merry and Pippin's growth spurt must have been one of the most amazing - because visible - things. And to find that they had both been exposed to battle - despite his decision to leave - must have been hard for Frodo. Although he should take comfort from the fact that he and Sam, as well as Merry and Pippin, achieved remarkable things.
Author's reply
I think he probably will take comfort, once he gets over the shock.
Dreamflower · 7 April 2006 · Chapter 0: No Laughing-Matter
Oh Lin! This is *perfect*! I've always wanted to explore Frodo's finding out what his cousins had been up to for the first time after they had been separated! But it's so much more satisfying to be able to read someone else's account of it. This is just delightful, and I love the four-way interaction between the hobbits. And now you know what such things as "waiting rooms" are really for. I've done a lot of writing in waiting rooms, sitting in line at the drive-through at the bank, waiting for my turn at a getting my hair trimmed, or waiting in the car for someone else. It really does give you a bit of time that would otherwise be wasted on 10 year old copies of "People" magazine, LOL!
Author's reply
LOL, and now I'd like to read your take on the scene... what fun! But I'm in agreement. I'm always looking for others' take on Beregond and Bergil, for example. But our break is over and I must go!
harrowcat · 7 April 2006 · Chapter 0: No Laughing-Matter
Very much thinking good thoughts for you and yours Lindelea. This is great and I am looking forward to more. I can wait but, just like Pippin, imagine what trouble I can get up to if I have to wait too long!
Author's reply
O I hope you didn't get up to too much trouble in the wait! More to come, but no time to type it in today.
Larner · 7 April 2006 · Chapter 0: No Laughing-Matter
Trying to understand what the rest had been through must have been overwhelming to Frodo and Sam, having been separated for so long from the rest.
Author's reply
Yes, and in the book they didn't know about the Orcs attacking at Parth Galen. They didn't know Boromir had been killed (somehow) until they met up with Faramir.
Pearl Took · 7 April 2006 · Chapter 0: No Laughing-Matter
Oh what a fun beginning!!! Bless you, Lin, for trying to find the time to write :) "At first Frodo put up a hand, refusing regretfully, but Gandalf pressed him, saying that he should take a little wine for the sake of his stomach, and that it would nicely settle the food from the feast." Sounds like Paul's advice to Timothy! LOL
Author's reply
You're the sharp one, you are! That's exactly where I first read that little piece of advice...
demeter d · 7 April 2006 · Chapter 0: No Laughing-Matter
As I have contended before, you are amazing. "Sprang to life in a doctor's waiting room'. Definitely thinking good thoughts for more. And wishing you all of the best in whatever life hands you. Hearing those tales told by the two who lived them should be good.
Author's reply
Have only now found a few extra minutes to type more in, and there is yet more staring at me from a sheaf of scratch paper, but it'll have to wait for another day. Thanks for the encouraging comments!
shirebound · 7 April 2006 · Chapter 0: No Laughing-Matter
This is a delightful gap-filler! And I do love the "lightness" of hobbity talk. What a treat for Frodo and Sam, after so long without other hobbits for company.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, light talk about heavy matters, so very hobbity! (I need to learn that trick IRL, I think.)