Dreamflower
· 29 July 2006
· Chapter 5: In which a celebration is interrupted
Oh, this is dreadful! Poor Pippin, to have to hear it like that!
At least they'll be on their way soon! But--who??
Author's reply
Well, the next chapter is up and ought to answer the question of who is on the way. A mini-muster, and a healer (for Pippin's sake, of course) and Master and Mayor, though they haven't had much to say in the last half of the chapter, and some engineers and I think they've even hauled along the kitchen sink, just to round things out nicely.
MaidenofValinor
· 28 July 2006
· Chapter 5: In which a celebration is interrupted
Your dialogue is so wonderful. I mean, just the little exchanges between Diamond and Pippin...I'm jealous.
Author's reply
Well thank you! It is nice when the Muse is in a good mood and the dialogue flows. I blame a good deal of it on a misspent youth, copious reading when I ought to have been doing other things. But it certainly came in handy when it came to writing, eventually. *g*
harrowcat
· 28 July 2006
· Chapter 5: In which a celebration is interrupted
At least leaving word of their route, like all good travellers, means that the alarm is raised pretty quickly. Now, I can't belive that M & P are going to start jumping to conclusions, again! but, unfortunately, this is rather a public forum for them to hear this news. And poor Diamond! I bet all she can think is 'not again!'
Am away for a week and my internet lead isn't long enough to take it with me so looking forward to more when I get back
Author's reply
Yes, they left word of their route, and even had planned stops, it seems, with trusted farmers, witnesses in other words, to Ferdi's innocence and dedication to his duty. Or witnesses in case something were to go wrong, I guess. Was Pippin showing a lack of trust, here, or was he bending over backwards to re-establish Ferdi's reputation?
Away for a week! Hope you have a lovely time, and will look forward to hearing from you later.
Pearl Took
· 28 July 2006
· Chapter 5: In which a celebration is interrupted
See! What did I say last time? Horrid nasty elipsis!!!
All that lovely hobbit chat and banter. A lovely hobbit teatime. All ruined by those horrid elipsis!
Poor Pip. I'm sure he's going to be in quite a terrible state. Escepially when they find poor dead Farry and Ferdi . . .
. . . well at the rate they're going to get there. LOL
Marvelously done suspense :) Well and truly well done!!
Author's reply
O but you did give me a turn! Finding poor dead Farry and Ferdi, indeed! Has EF been talking to you?
As it is, chapter six ran long, so they won't be finding poor dead anybody until chapter 7.
Thanks for hanging in there!
Dreamflower
· 27 July 2006
· Chapter 4: In which a Took shows a flair for subtlety
Uh-oh.
The best laid plans of Tooks...
I hope Pippin and Merry find some reason to go looking!!
Author's reply
You're back!
*hugs*
Missed you.
Get well soon.
Will have another chapter of your beta for you, I hope, a little later.
Dreamflower
· 27 July 2006
· Chapter 3: In which a journey is interrupted
Oh golly! Ruffians! *Real* ruffians, and not just wannabes like Jack and his lads...
Author's reply
Yes, real ruffians... hence the cautionary PG-13, though the outline doesn't hint past PG at the moment.
Author Reply: p.s. although the spirit of Jack is haunting the outline, and you may see some mention of him yet. Let me know if you catch it!
Dreamflower
· 27 July 2006
· Chapter 2: In which a Took has the best of intentions
Ooh, something creepy this way comes?
Of course this couldn't possibly just be the simple chore of fetching Farry that it was meant to be--it's *Ferdi* after all, and nothing *simple* *ever* happens to him...
I really liked Farry's ruminations on falling from ponies. I'm afraid I wouldn't be looking forwar d to more falls either. He's a very sensible young hobbit for a Took.
Author's reply
Poor Ferdi. BTDTBTTS (Been there, done that, bought the tee-shirt)
And in his case the tee-shirt says, "Nothing *simple* ever happens to me."
I remember being told in my first riding lesson that we wouldn't be true riders until we'd fallen three times. Talk about uncomfortable anticipation!
Author Reply: p.s. loved your first sentence. Just finished reading an Agatha Christie entitled "By the Pricking of My Thumbs".
I read a sci-fi/fantasy story by Ray Bradbury, I think (might've got the author wrong, it's been so long) by the title "Something Wicked This Way Comes" and have always wondered where that comes from. Is it a famous poem? Sounds rather Poe-ish.
Dreamflower
· 27 July 2006
· Chapter 1: In which a Took reflects on his present circumstances
What a nice thing to find! I saw you had started this the other night--and then of course, had other things to deal with. 8-( But today I'm too dopey to work on my own stuff, and it's lovely to find some new things to read.
Poor old Ferdi. "Little Lass." *chuckle* Serve him right for waiting if that *is* what she ends up named. Reminds me of the (possibly apocryphal) story of the new person who went to an SCA event. He knew he wanted to be a Viking named "Olaf", but he hadn't decided on the rest of the name. He ended up being labeled "Olaf the Undecisive" ever after, LOL!
Author's reply
I'm sorry about that other stuff, but glad to hear you sounding like yourself. (Who else would you sound like, as Pippin might say? Haven't a clue.)
Olaf the Undecisive! Perfect!
I am actually at a loss for the Little Lass's name. She might, indeed, end up Lass. Would be nice if I could think of a nice botanical name that would spawn such a nickname, though.
harrowcat
· 27 July 2006
· Chapter 4: In which a Took shows a flair for subtlety
Ooops! 'The best laid plans....' most often go astray! Especially when certain Tooks are involved it seems.
BTW I would never ask you to give away plot points! *Grins* Now, really, would I? *giggle*
Author's reply
Yes. My mom often used to say "Best-laid plans gang oft aglee" which I think was Scottish for something-or-other.
Never, I'd never believe such a thing of you. Go ahead and keep guessing--sometimes it is actually a help when the author sees half-a-dozen paths looming ahead and needs to choose which one to follow.
Pearl Took
· 26 July 2006
· Chapter 4: In which a Took shows a flair for subtlety
Ah, the cruelty of it all . . .
Dallying us about at Great Smials while out on the road . . .
You keep leaving us at the mercy of the ellipsis . . .
Lovely Merry-Pippin banter though :) :)
Onward - must have more!!
Author's reply
I'm a terrible one for ellipsis, I am...
Am managing a chapter every-other-day, so far, I think.
Think good thoughts!
demeter d
· 26 July 2006
· Chapter 4: In which a Took shows a flair for subtlety
Since this came, I thought I'd better read the chapter before to catch up. You have now left us hanging two chapters! INDEED, the ones waiting at home have not become concerned, yet. Is it all up to the wits of a ten year old Hobbit and wise mother pony? Oh, my!
Author's reply
And likely to be hanging for one more chapter, unless chapter five splits itself for some reason. Will do my best to keep it all together.
Yes, it is all up to the wits of a ten year old hobbit! Hope he takes after his father and cousin Bilbo!
demeter d
· 26 July 2006
· Chapter 3: In which a journey is interrupted
Take it like a man, indeed! What a cliff to push us towards! I imasgine those at home wiil not come looking until they are overdue.....Oh, dear!
Author's reply
Well, he can't exactly take it like a man, not being a man, but he'll be doing his best.
You're right about those at home. Why would they come looking? Pippin is bent on demonstrating his trust of Ferdi, which would be a good thing if not for circumstances.
Pearl Took
· 26 July 2006
· Chapter 3: In which a journey is interrupted
:-O
This is horrible!!!
Please hurry with another chapter!!!
(Well written though, and I love your desciptions of the ponies :) )
Author's reply
O thank you. I miss being around horses, even though they can be stubborn and irritating at times. (They can also be quite sweet, on occasion, especially if you ply them with treats. Or maybe I'm confusing sweetness with greed.)
Afraid that plot dynamics require the reader to be left hanging, so to speak, for just a little bit longer.
(Also am torturing editor-friend, who deserves it. What do you give a glutton for punishment on the occasion of her birthday, after all? Sorry for the effect on the innocent bystanders, but it really can't be helped.)
harrowcat
· 26 July 2006
· Chapter 3: In which a journey is interrupted
four-footed friends?
I was thinking of the ponies Lindelea. They seem to be the only friendly creatures near enough to change the situation - but then I ought to know enough not to try and second guess Authors! :)
Author's reply
Ah, yes. The ponies. Good thinking.
After all, there's little chance for a ten-year-old hobbit (something like two feet high?) to evade enormous ruffians, not when one of them has a good grip on him, anyhow.
Sorry, can't give away plot points, but the scene will have its resolution in chapter 6, I think.
Thanks so much for the feedback!
harrowcat
· 25 July 2006
· Chapter 3: In which a journey is interrupted
Ooh, what a place to leave it! I hope these 'people' have underestimated the bravery of our four-footed friends! Come-on Farry there are times to take things like a man but you are a hobbit! Move, lad, move!
Author's reply
I know just how you feel...
Four footed friends?
Anonymous
· 24 July 2006
· Chapter 2: In which a Took has the best of intentions
Here is another, for good measure. And because I forgot to say it before.
You were right. You should have called this chapter "In which just about nothing happens."
*g*
*cracks whip*
Get to it! Let's see some action!
Author's reply
Okay, maybe not Frodo.
Happy birthday, you wretch. What kind of latte do you want?
Author Reply: p.s. Your least wish...
Got to it. Action, as requested. Put the whip away now, dearie, it's scaring the ponies.
Anonymous
· 24 July 2006
· Chapter 2: In which a Took has the best of intentions
I especially liked this part. I could just see it and hear it:
The foursome stood quietly, all breathing as one, listening to the soughing of the breeze and the subdued chuckle of the stream below.
So now you can't say that I never review! *nyah!*
Author's reply
I think I could count your reviews on the fingers of one hand. Even if I were Frodo.
*g*
Thanks! Feedback is a wonderful thing!
demeter d
· 24 July 2006
· Chapter 2: In which a Took has the best of intentions
Good to meet you, Miss Dapple. You are a charming lass. You have managed to give the ponies personality very quickly. Interesting how Ferdi tells himself, "Likely naught" THREE times. Do we think he has convinced himself? Nice cliffhanger ending here.
Author's reply
Um. Several explanations. He's superstitious, and "talking trouble away"? (Probably not) He's trying to reassure Farry?
He couldn't really believe that it's naught... actions speak louder than words and he's loaded and ready for bear. (I think I used that cliche correctly. Not sure, though. Has to do with cannon, I think?)
demeter d
· 24 July 2006
· Chapter 0: Author's Note
Hey, I LIKE your Ferdi! I will be looking forward to reading this.
Author's reply
So glad to hear this! I was afraid people might be tired of Ferdi and angst mixed together.
I for one have been enjoying imagining him and his beloved Nell in weather-appropriate settings. In the wintertime, tucked up together in front of the hearth, him reading aloud and her knitting or mending or something of the sort. In summer, picnicking in a shady spot with a babbling brook nearby.
But peaceful. Happy. Not angsty.
Very boring, actually.
But a nice imagining.
harrowcat
· 24 July 2006
· Chapter 2: In which a Took has the best of intentions
Likely naught,’ Ferdi said
The horses don't believe him and neither do we - do we? You built the tension beautifully here to say that there is nothing to see, hear or feel.
Author's reply
LOL, thank you! (And I think that Farry probably doesn't believe him, either.)
Pearl Took
· 23 July 2006
· Chapter 1: In which a Took reflects on his present circumstances
This is off to an interesting start, Lin :) I'm hoping I can keep reading as I do so like your writing :)
Author's reply
I'm hoping, too!
(It's always a bit more of a challenge to write a story by request, I find... Can't always give the Muse her head in those circumstances, but we'll do our best.)
harrowcat
· 23 July 2006
· Chapter 1: In which a Took reflects on his present circumstances
Ooh, a new story? *tired and very hot reader grins and settles down to enjoy.*
Author's reply
Nice to hear you're along for the ride!
(I told EF, People are gonna say, O no! Not another Ferdi story! Stop torturing the poor hobbit! This has ceased to be interesting! and she just smirked at me and said It's only one story, what can be the harm? ...and something to the effect that I'd know at least one person would be reading - herself of course - except that she almost never leaves reviews. And feedback is so very motivating, you know. It was so much easier when she'd work for the occasional latte at Starbucks' and first look at whatever story was going!)
So you see, it is very nice to see your grin!
Author Reply: p.s. *tired and very hot* here too. But tomorrow's "high" is slated to be ten degrees cooler than today's. There's hope.
Tootling off to have a cold shower now.