Dreamflower
· 22 August 2006
· Chapter 29: In which a Took contemplates the unthinkable
Oh my! This is a powerful chapter--yes, Pippin has truly put the fear of--well, himself--into that ruffian, who totally deserves it. Even if it never happens, he's going to remember.
Pippin's scared the bejeebers out of the hobbits who are with him, and worried Merry. Yet I did notice, even though Merry asked him *directly* if he'd really do it, his answer though grim, was *indirect*. And Merry's offer to spare his soul by taking it on himself will help--if only because he knows that Merry both means it and *would* do it. If anything will shake him, that will. Pippin is implacable, but he is not cruel--and he's also Frodo's cousin at heart as well.
I hope Sam doesn't give up--Farry and the youngster should have been fairly safe where they were, but I would guess they are probably concussed and unconscious from the blast. They are going to need someone to find them.
But now there aren't any ruffians left for Sam.
Author's reply
Well, as you know by now, I saved a couple of ruffians for Sam. It was a review, that crafted the last bit of the story (most of it yet to be seen, but Sam escorting the villains, and having arranged them so that he can chat a bit with both at the same time, was definitely inspired by something said in a review. Revenge of the hobbits, in a uniquely Sammish way. Almost as devious as Pippin--perhaps he's been taking notes?).
I do think that Pippin spoke in the heat of the moment. Things changed when he found his son intact. I wonder, though, if Farry had truly been maimed, or tortured to death, if Pippin would have carried out his threat... or allowed Merry to do so. Somehow it doesn't sound hobbity to me. I think he would have wanted to, but unable to go through with it, and perhaps terribly grieved at his "failing" though hindsight, years later, would have brought (cold) comfort. What do you think? (I'm glad it didn't come to that.)
The ruffian's hours are numbered. The hobbits are not going to let his last hours be comfortable ones, however. Light talk can be cutting instead of comforting, when properly used.
harrowcat
· 22 August 2006
· Chapter 29: In which a Took contemplates the unthinkable
Oh Pippin, listen to Merry - please listen. What a horrible conclusion to his experience in Gondor. Consequences can come back to haunt and bite us. And now... is Farry going to suffer for not telling the ruffians about the contents of the hill? I am watching this space...... very immpatiently and anxiously!
Author's reply
It's a good thing that Pippin has an older cousin who understands him so well.
Thanks!
Larner
· 22 August 2006
· Chapter 29: In which a Took contemplates the unthinkable
The last time the top of a mountain blew off while Sam was present I fear he was a bit too focused on survival to appreciate just what it was like. NOW he knows!
Hopefully Farry, the young one, and the ponies were protected by being in the cave shelter. Bless the young one once more.
And Merry is right to keep Pippin from acting out of a desire for vengeance. Forgiveness can be cruel at times, and it rubs ashes and salt into the wounds inflicted on themselves by the evildoers.
Very satisfying to think Fat One and Red aren't going to do any such things to any others. And interesting this third meeting with the brawny one is such a one as it is. Branded by Aragorn? Yes, you know I've seen such punishments used in Aragorn's court as well. Well, he won't be in any shape to do such a thing again, either, not that I think he'd even dream of it now. He's been well and truly taken this time.
Author's reply
Now he knows. I don't think he appreciates the front-row seat, though.
Ooo, interesting turn of phrase, in your mention of forgiveness. Very interesting to contemplate.
Yes, the brawny man won't get away again. Phew. Am glad to be able to say it. EF argued for him to win free, with possibility for a sequel, but I put my foot down.
(Sorry if that's a spoiler.)
Pearl Took
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 28: In which a private grief is interrupted
This was excellent!!
"the nearly departed hobbit" - nice play off of 'dearly departed'
"the unburial feast" - like an 'unbirthday' party
"he gave a wail, an eerie, keening sound, flinging the handkerchief and its grisly burden down.
The brawny man had never seen this side of it before. He’d never seen a father receive word of his son. He’d left off plenty of tokens in his day, true, but he’d never waited to see the result . . . ‘No,’ he said brokenly, and taking the bag from Merry, he gently laid the grisly bundle to rest once more, pulling the drawstring tight, tying a knot, thrusting the whole under his jacket, to rest beside his heart. ‘No,’ he repeated. ‘We’ll collect all that’s to be found, and bury him, as much of him, as they’ve left us... and may his dreams be peaceful ones. I can only hope...’
And then he straightened his shoulders, recalled to the present moment, and lifted his head.
And the brawny man had never known such fear, ever before, in all his life."
"Laugh, you, he thought coldly, much too coldly for one of his tender years. We’ll see who has the last laugh."
MEWD!! A powerful, powerful chapter, even the lighthearted begining has power to it. MEWD!!
Author's reply
Yikes! Thanks!
And today's chapter was extremely difficult, but things will improve. Promise.
storyfish
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 28: In which a private grief is interrupted
Oh. Oh wow. For the longest time I just sat staring at this blank review form, stunned into silence. I think my heart's left me for someplace safer, because it's nearly been broken by these scenes.... Poor Pip. Poor Farry. Thank God they got Ferdi out of the grave, because if they'd started burying him again, I don't think I could have stood the anguish of all this.
And I don't know what's worse, Farry still in the ruffians' hands, Pippin's wail at the sight of what was in the handkerchief, or the way these ruffians have turned the usual light-heartedness of these hobbits into cold rage. I shivered when I read the last line: Laugh, you, he thought coldly, much too coldly for one of his tender years. We’ll see who has the last laugh.
Of course, I'm pretty mad myself...how dare the brawny ruffian call Frodo cowardly for saving his life!!! Grrrr, I hope he gets what's coming to him....
But kudos for seeing this through--it's a marvelous, chilling, breath-stopping read! I hope you've been filling yourself with lots of daisies and puppies when you're not writing this tale...it must be like immersing yourself in darkness for a few hours a day...
Author's reply
Oh, I know, the story had to flow so that some of the angst was relieved even as the main burden continued. Otherwise *I* couldn't have stood it either.
And Pippin's "walking wounded" at the moment, and in need of healing, but there are a few more chapters to come.
The brawny man is going to find a bit of the coward in himself, soon, I suspect. And he might just understand Frodo a little better, soon, too.
Daisies and puppies sound lovely. Blackberries and sunshine are almost as nice.
FantasyFan
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 28: In which a private grief is interrupted
OK, I made it through. Thank you for not being more graphic. I think my imagination was worse than what you actually wrote. Although there isn't much that bothers me, I was having trouble with this, probably because it is a child. I think of both the bright promise of my own sons, and memories of my own childhood traumas, and this is unusually difficult for me.
How predictable for this ruffian to not understand the quality of mercy, or the one who offered it. He saw only weakness in Frodo at the Battle of Bywater, and so he has wasted the second chance that Frodo offered him in his mercy. He was given his life, and this is what he has made of it.
In the previous chapter, it was made very clear that they have lost all sense of humanity, and see the value of their victims not as living, breathing persons with families that love them, but only as the gold those families can provide. This is the first time he's thought of what a father might go through, receiving tokens of his son, and a little of it does penetrate, to my surprise. But he has come to it too late, and after doing too much, and with the wrong person. There's no Frodo here to restrain Pippin, and I wonder if some things aren't unforgivable anyway. Pippin has never been a hard person, never cruel or arbitrary or unyielding. But he has made hard decisions before, and in his growth into leadership I think he understands much about justice. I expect the ruffian is right to fear, and that he will receive what he deserves, at the hands of the king's soldiers if not at Pippin's own. But Pippin is a king's soldier too, and although no hobbit has ever killed another on purpose, no hobbit has ever done anything like this either. A man's justice must be excuted, for surely too many other lives would be put at risk to offer a third chance. And as he recognizes too late, these leaders are not your typical hobbits.
The one I worry about is Farry. It is inevitable that he will lose much of his innocence over this, and he has had too many burdens already in his young life. He has already come to the same conclusion that I expect Pippin to, that these ruffians do deserve swift and definitive punishment. But he's so young for that cold laughter. He's the future of the Shire, and he can't afford to lose the capacity for mercy, or go back to the insular ways of the past. Ferdi's ill treatment at the hands of ruffians soured him on all Men for a long time. Farry has had experiences of good men - will that be enough? He can't be unaffected by all this: I don't want him to end up either bitter and cold, or wounded and afraid.
(And it seems Ferdi will get his second chance too, and a much happier one. Or is it his third chance? Fourth chance? Sometimes mercy is unending, and that is a much more hopeful thought to end on.)
Author's reply
Well, Farry and Pippin both are in need of healing at the moment. Stay tuned for further developments.
You're right about Pippin, not being hard, cruel or arbitrary, but he is certainly impulsive. It probably took a great deal of self-control on his part, in chapter 29, to keep himself from wreaking revenge on the ruffian then-and-there.
Oh, yes, the ruffian ought to be very afraid. And welcome to it.
Dreamflower
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 28: In which a private grief is interrupted
I'm so happy for Nell and Ferdi now; at least the worst of his ordeal is over, and Nell can be glad they'd not named their daughter yet, for what hobbit could die with that sort of unfinished business to tend to?
Ah, Pippin and Merry! I was *so* hoping a look at the eyes would reveal that those could not have been Farry's eyes, but that was too much to hope for, that they could bring themselves to examine the gory tokens that closely. Poor Pippin! And I am *ever* so glad that the brawny ruffian is afraid--be afraid, yes, be very afraid. I'd like to see him groveling with Trollsbane at his throat!
And it shouldn't be long before the Fat on and Red get blown to kingdom come. Though it's a shame to waste good black powder on them...
Author's reply
Yes, unfinished business! Wonder what they'll name the babe?
I am glad that even the brawny man did not examine the eyes and tongue too closely...
And chapter 29 has been posted. Your least wish is my greatest desire. (And I want to finish this thing so that I can start typing in your belated birthday present, some time before your next birthday rolls around, anyhow!)
Larner
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 28: In which a private grief is interrupted
I myself feel the flash and bang and sudden realization of the mistake made--if there's time--perhaps might be too good for Red and the Fat Man.
So glad there is a core of unbreached decency in the young one, and that the Brawny Man was at last caught. Now, if Pippin would allow an examination of the eyes he'd realize those can't be those of his son.
And the Brawny Man is at last seeing the results of his actions, is beginning to appreciate what they do to folk.
And to see Frodo characterized as "cowardly" makes me ANGRY! Oh, Man, you have no idea of what true courage is, much less what comprises compassion. And Bagginses, you must realize, have an extraordinarily strong core of compassion.
Author's reply
Definitely too good for them. The quick drop and jerk at the end of a rope, that's too good for them too. What would a suitable punishment be? Pippin has an inkling, I think.
I think the brawny man is wishing, at the moment, that he *were* dealing with a Baggins...
harrowcat
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 27: In which a Took takes a hint
Phew! Well I am back from my parents a couple of days later than I intended which puts paid to the camping trip I was planning but at least I get to read the last few chapters all in one go! I think I was glad to do it like that as I don't think I could have borne to read them one by one!
Poor Woodruff - I am glad she got the message across but now we have her to worry about on top of all the rest! And poor little lamb! But better it than Farry! And I was pleased to see Merry using their own experiences and that of the Three Hinters to try and comfort Pippin. More Lindelea, more, pleeeeeeese!
Author's reply
You have your wish. I'm trying to update daily as long as I have the writing time. Once the school year starts I'll have to cut down again. Such is life.
How I wish I could post long chapters and get the agony over with quickly! But anything over 3000 words is very difficult to post or edit, with our slow dialup. Drat.
Thanks!
FantasyFan
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 27: In which a Took takes a hint
And I forgot to mention, I am almost afraid to read any upcoming scene where Pippin receives the "tokens". Could there be anything more horrible than holding in your hands evidence that your beloved child has been tortured, maimed, and is either in agony or, probably (hopefully?) now dead? Maybe you are planning to spare Pippin this, and have Farry freed before this ghastly package comes to him, although it would be a powerful and dramatic scene for Pippin who has seen so much horror, and is so fiercely protective of his family in order to spare them from exactly this type of madness. What this will do to him - I cannot even think of it. I cannot imagine a more horrible anguish for a parent to go through, and if you write it I might have to keep reminding myself that this is a story, and that that this never really happened (or maybe even the drastic step of reminding myself that hobbits are not real), in order to make it through the chapter at all.
Author's reply
I'm sorry. I thought long and hard on that scene, and whether it was to happen at all, and after great deliberation it was indeed written and appears in the next chapter, but only because, in the end, it will lead to healing of sorts, of Pippin's fears. I hope that is something of a comfort (and not a spoiler, but sometimes I feel the need to "spoil" when the story feels too hard to me, too unfeeling? Not sure what word I'm groping after).
FantasyFan
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 27: In which a Took takes a hint
Ferdi is saved! I thought he was saved before, by Ted and Woodruff, but almost as soon as that reassurance was offered it was whisked away. This time, I think he is saved for good. I loved the 'I’ve ears, haven’t I?' coming from the grave, and I noticed for all the swooning (and near swooning) going on, it is the strength and sense of the hobbit women that saves him.
And Farry is saved too, at least for the moment, from a truly awful fate. Reading the previous chapters was very difficult. You have convinced me that these particular ruffians are truly evil. They can no way be mistaken for misguided, or foolish but goodhearted, or ignorant, or even mentally ill ruffians. I don't think there is a chance for redemption for this particular group, save perhaps the youngest. Oh, I am sympathetic to him, and grateful for what he has been able to do for Farry, but he has already made so many bad choices that I wonder if the consequences of them are not inescapable.
Ferdi is saved. There is more hope for Farry than I would have given a chapter ago. And now I am beginning to really worry about the character death warning.
Author's reply
The "I've ears, haven't I?" was one of the saving graces of this story, so far as I'm concerned. As is an upcoming conversation between still-muddled Ferdi and loving Nell. *glad sigh*
You are very perceptive in your analysis of the ruffians, as you will see very soon, I think. The "character death" was a difficult decision for me to make, but I think it was necessary in the end, and EF (can you believe it?) helped me to craft it so that it did not seem such a waste or an ironic throwing-away of a life, as might have been the way the draft was written.
And your review has helped, immensely, with that conflict I've been feeling. So double thanks.
Author Reply: Goodness, I was just going over reviews during (second) breakfast and noticed, for the first time, your catalogue of ruffians, as I had written them in past stories, to answer the challenge: Take someone against whom there will be automatic prejudice, and make him a sympathetic character. Even if you don't find yourself rooting for him, at least you understand a little of what makes him what he is. Not that it makes you want to "let him off scot-free", in most cases (a few exceptions, of course. Jack and the boys, and the Mayor of Dindale among them). Just that you understand the journey that brought him to his fate. And maybe, cause one to find ways to invest or intervene in young lives around oneself, to keep them from growing up into monsters some day. Don't know if that sounds too idealistic.
Author Reply: p.p.s. It is interesting to speculate. Could the "fat man" have been one like the "young ruffian", once upon a time? Could the "brawny man"?
Red, I think, is mentally ill, in today's terms. Criminally mentally ill? The sort that ought to be locked away for the rest of their lives, to protect the rest of us.
(An uncle of mine would have shaken his head and muttered something about "should have been drowned at birth". For he was a rough-and-ready fellow and had seen horrors on the battlefields of World War II.)
Pearl Took
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 27: In which a Took takes a hint
"It was rather complicated by the fact that his healer-wife would not let them merely fasten a rope around Ferdi under his arms, to haul him up rather like a sack of taters,"
Wonderful imagery!!! "like a sack of taters" LOL what a mental picture!! LOL
Bless the poor young ruffian. I hope a wee bit o' mercy is show to him if and when the Tooks catch up with the gang.
Well done, Lin.
Author's reply
Whew, thanks! I'm writing the part of the story that *I* like best, at the moment. There is another part or two that I don't like, but I'm going to try to get over them as quickly as might be.
Poor young ruffian, his prospects are dim, doesn't it seem? He might go from frying pan to fire, escaping his murderous companions only to be caught by furious Tooks!
Larner
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 27: In which a Took takes a hint
I am impressed--a certain would-be ruffian has proven anything but, and will soon be freed from awful masters, I think.
Bless the young Man.
And at LAST Ferdi spoke! About bloody time!
Author's reply
Yes, the young ruffian has no hope of escape, at the moment, but he's cast his fate to the wind, in a manner of speaking, and is trying to help Farry. Bless him.
I do hope there's some sort of reward in store for him.
Good ol' Ferdi. He's still deep in his dreaming. And suffering from a serious concussion into the bargain. (Or maybe as a part of the whole.)
Dreamflower
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 27: In which a Took takes a hint
Yaay!!! Ferdi's out of the ground--and seemingly never knew what happened to him other than it was uncomfortable and confusing! That's a blessing, anyway--he won't have the horrors over it later--not like he would if he'd understood!
Now I do feel sorry for the young ruffian--very much like the Evil Queen's Huntsman, only worse, for he's still got his "victim" on hand, who could by inadvertance, give his secret away! And now Farry really can offer no warning at all about the gun-powder...
Hurry Sam! Hurry Merry and Pippin! (I seem to be saying that a lot lately!)
Author's reply
You're exactly right about Ferdi. He hasn't a clue.
His reply to Rosamunda stems from a real-life incident. An elderly man, on his deathbed, was evidently processing memories, for he was murmuring complete conversations with someone, though his loved ones couldn't make out any of the words. One of his older children leaned over him, to say urgently, "Was there anything you wanted to say to us, Dad?" (Perhaps looking for some last nugget of wisdom...)
He smiled and said in a loud, clear voice, "Not particularly!" ...and then he went back to his subvocal conversations. Those were his last words to be spoken aloud.
And so Ferdi, in a world of his own, answers what seems to him a monumentally stupid question. But I'm glad that he went on to convalesce, instead of the alternative.
Sam, Merry and Pippin are hurrying! At least Sam has a clear trail to follow. But soon they'll have no doubt as to their destination. (Is that too much of a spoiler?)
demeter d
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 23: In which a Took dreams, or does he?
What comes of cleaning out one's in-box in a hurry. I did miss this one. So the club-man fell, when but for his greed he could have gotten away. No hobbit had to lay a finger on him, this was an act of nature, if you will. Ferdi and Farry are both still dreaming. I think we do not want Farry to wake up just yet to the horror around him. But Ferdi had better, and soon! Dreamflower is just right with the comparison to Snow White and the Queen's Huntsman. He was basically good-hearted, and did not want to hurt the princess. And, he presented the wild pig's heart as hers. Now, what happens next here? And great symbolism. the lamb in the "thicket", and Farry, the young ruffian, even Ferdi and the other grown-up hobbits, all innocents confronting the evil that men do. A comment on "do kidnappers still do that?" We have all heard chilling tales from the Middle East, lately, about hostages's bodies being found - with heads no longer attached. The spirit of Morgoth is still very much in the hearts of men, sadly enough.
Author's reply
Ah, well, I'm one to miss emails, too. And sometimes emails don't even lodge in my box, for some unknown reason. (I haven't had a one of Dreamflower's last few reviews, and haven't a clue why, but at least I was able to see them on SoA.)
Yes, the contrast between evil and innocence was one of the themes that shaped this story.
demeter d
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 26: In which a lecture is interrupted
And again, OOOOOHHHHH! Abraham, Isaac and the ram in the thicket! But being quickly blown up is too good for that lot. I see there is hope for the young one after all. And the one getting the gold was killed. I thought i had been keeping up with this. hmmm.
Author's reply
It might have been hard to catch up, as I've been posting as quickly as I could, just to get over the part that makes me squidgy. Um. If that's the right expression.
demeter d
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 25: In which a Took is outraged by happenings
OOOOhhhhhh! Both story lines are getting most desparate. i am now almost as concerned for the youngest ruffian as I am for poor Farry. If something does not happen. he will become like those he runs with. And your detailed descriptions of sweet, unknowing, innocent Farry. You are too cruel. It does sound as though there would be plenty down Gondor way who would love to get their hands on at least the older ruffians. Do go on!
Author's reply
EF is too cruel. I'd much rather "imply" than go into detail. I'd've written a much shorter story if I'd had my way! (And now that we're past most of the worst part--there's a moment or two left that I don't like to contemplate--I almost galloped to the ending, but then I thought I'd spend a little more time writing the kind of stuff that *I* enjoy (the humour, for example, of the latest chapter posted, with the epidemic of fainting). So if you think it's dragging on too much, please let me know.
Larner
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 26: In which a lecture is interrupted
Redemption, and Iluvatar reenacts a Shire version of the sacrifice of Isaac....
Wonderful, but the POOR lamb!
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, I felt so badly for the poor little thing. I wonder how long it had been stranded there, unable to cry out?
demeter d
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 24: In which disquieting thoughts are interrupted
OOOOOOhhhhhhhh! Both of your storylines are coming to a crisis point. When does Ferdi really 'wake up" enough to call out? And what will they baddies do to the poor little lad? Will the young ruffian develop a conscience? So many questions. I like Merry's trying to encourage Pippin with hopeful memories. We can only hope that the same meemories still help Farry.
Author's reply
Well, by now your questions are answered! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Pearl Took
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 26: In which a lecture is interrupted
This is a good chapter, Lin! I've read worse "gore" (this really isn't that bad). This has some good momentum and active tension. Farry is fortunate the young ruffian isn't yet hardened.
Most appropriate - a mute lamb.
Definitely anxious for the next chapter :)
Author's reply
Not that bad? Yikes, it's at my threshold of "barely able to stomach"!
I was just going to zip to the ending, but then I realised I was working on something I enjoyed--Ferdi's rescue from the grave--and so I slowed down again, to add more of the sort of detail that *I* like. So hope it doesn't plod too much, there!
Vicki Turner
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 26: In which a lecture is interrupted
Yes, young ruffian! Take the lamb and its eyes and tongue to use to fool the others!
Very good chapter! I like the twist of having a lamb stuck in the bushes to use. Just like Abraham and Issac...
I can't wait until your next chapter!
Author's reply
Yes, the "lamb twist" is the scene that this entire story is built around, together with another scene that will be coming along soon. I hope.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 26: In which a lecture is interrupted
Oh golly, Farry, poor baby, to listen to this!
Hurry Sam! Hurry!
And I was right about their destination!
The young ruffian has put himself in a cleft-stick and no mistake about it--but I do love the part at the end, echoing both the story of Abraham-Isaac and the story of Snow White (perhaps more the latter, as the youngster is probably feeling a good deal like the Evil Queen's Huntsman at the moment.)
But poor Farry, he is going to be so traumatized by this, I can't imagine how he gets over it enough to spend much time among Men after this. And I keep reminding myself that both he and Ferdi are going to survive and be fine, because you promised this is not an AU...
Hurry Sam!
And hurry Pippin and Merry!
Author's reply
Poor Farry!
(How resilient are hobbits, anyhow? I'm wondering what sort of fallout would be reasonable, after, while crafting the Epilogue.)
Snow White and the Huntsman, I hadn't thought of that, but you're right, it fits! "The heart of a pig!"
storyfish
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 26: In which a lecture is interrupted
Oh, how horrifying! (The lines, the circle on Farry's heart... These are images I don't think I'll ever forget.)
Have people actually done this?? Did kidnappings really work this way at one point in history? ...or worse, do they still? I do hope this is just from a very dark place of imagining, but if "civilized" people can create ovens for genocide, I don't doubt that they're capable of this too, and worse.
But courage to the young ruffian to do the right thing! I love the Abraham and Isaac references here--I would never have guessed this plot twist, but it's perfect.... Another brilliant chapter--I'm eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this tale!
Author's reply
Not something I'll soon forget, I think.
I first ran across this idea in one of those amazing Darkover books by Marian Zimmer Bradley. But after our study of the Middle Ages last year, I wouldn't be surprised if this sort of thing had been common. Um. did that make sense? It's 90-something here and my brain is limp.
The substitutionary lamb was the grain from which this story grew, that caused it to be changed from the original comedy to this drama-horror-thing.
Larner
· 18 August 2006
· Chapter 25: In which a Took is outraged by happenings
As this was twenty-five, you'd best be at LEAST on 26. Hmmm. And it seems to me that I remember that the Thain's treasure stores have been filled with gunpowder for some time--gift from Gandalf via Aragorn, if I remember correctly.
Oh, dear, I suspect that the remaining ruffians are in for a very bright--and LOUD--ending. Hope Farry is left safely in the survival tunnel he's in now for protection, and that none of its ceiling will come down.
Author's reply
Yes, *was* on 26. And hopefully the chapters will move much more swiftly from here on out. There's really very little left of the story, and just have to be sure to fit in all the already-written scenes in the draft, just writing enough linking material to... well, to link them together!
And I think you're right. This story ends more with a bang than a whimper. Sort of. Hope the epilogue is not anticlimatic. Or whatever that word is.
Larner
· 18 August 2006
· Chapter 25: In which a Took is outraged by happenings
Lindelea, are you being more cruel to Nell, Woodruff, Ferdi, Farry, Pippin, or US? You wicked, wicked writer of cliffhangers!
It appears one is indeed on the dead one's trail, and thus on that of the brawny one as well. If so, the ruffians have nowhere near the time to act they think they do, which is fortunate.
The cruelty of the fat one deserves a NASTY end, and I hope he's taken alive and sent to the northern Steward, and made to suffer all of it.
Now, Ferdi, TWITCH, do you hear? Twitch, and NOW! Open your eyes! Move your hand!
Author's reply
It's funny, that was the first thing that drew EF to my stories, the cliffhangers. And she's worse than I am, in the "nasty" department. And proud of it.
Oo, the northern Steward, yes, he's a stern fellow. Though at this point on the timeline his son has not yet been murdered, and so he's not quite so grim as in later years. And of course, his option would be a simple, quick, clean hanging. (Though I wonder if the hangman, hearing the tale, might not be quite so conscientious about placing the knot...) A tempting thought, but the fat man's fate is already sealed, and what's more he is the agent of his own destruction, which is rather a satisfying thought.
It is a pity that Ferdi didn't open his eyes while he was uncovered. Would have given that gravedigger quite a start, wouldn't it?
Rest assured, this story is nearly done. It is galloping to the climax, even now. (Great relief to me, as I type in chapter whatever it is, 25? The second super-angst chapter, anyhow, which sort of turns my stomach if I think about it too much. Definitely being stretched here, and have already told EF that she's getting a Starbucks gift card for her *next* birthday. Whew.)
Author Reply: oops, I'm typing in chapter 26, not 25. It's actually 25 and a half. I had to cut off 25 when it reached nearly 3000 words. It's much too slow to upload and/or edit anything bigger, with our slow dial-up. (Are we the only people left in the world without high-speed Internet?)