Vicki_Turner · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 25: In which a Took is outraged by happenings
Anxiously awaiting the next chapter as always!
Author's reply
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
A Matter of Appearances by Lindelea
Reviews (272)
Pearl Took · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 25: In which a Took is outraged by happenings
I'm still here :-) Sorry I'm not finding as much to say as the others, but I am still reading. Well written as always, dear Lin :-)
Author's reply
*hugs* Appreciate your dropping a note. (Was afraid I'd warned everyone off, and no one would read the chapter except EF, of course, who requested it.)
storyfish · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 24: In which disquieting thoughts are interrupted
Oh no oh no oh no! *bites off fingernails* I strongly dislike Red. He's not just bad, he's scary-evil. (Farry, run away!) Now I understand why you didn't want to write this chapter...this is AWFUL! But, y'know, somehow I still can't tear my eyes away. *sits on the edge of her seat, eyes glued to the screen* (Dude, this is getting good...) What a great scene you have here between Merry and Pippin. I nearly dropped my tea when I read, ‘Do you suppose Strider felt this way, following us? The Three Hunters?’ he added, for clarification. Merry's so observant. I'd never thought about it that way before! But now I'll never be able to get that thought out of my mind when I read about the Three Hunters. What DID it feel like to pursue the trail of the orcs...? I've thought many times about what Merry and Pippin must have felt...but I never stopped to think about Strider, Legolas, and Gimli. Hmmm, would love to read a fic from their perspective. And poor, poor Pippin. I'm nowhere near having kids, but the older I get, the easier I can imagine.....
Author's reply
Hmmm, would love to read a fic from their perspective. You have a treat in store. Check out Dreamflower's story: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=4920 As a matter of fact, when I was writing the draft of this, I was thinking from Merry and Pippin's perspective, during the Orc chase. It was only after reading Dreamflower's fic that I started imagining the scene from the "other" side. If you thought *this* chapter was hard to write, um, well, it doesn't hold a candle to the *next*. I'm so glad that the story is almost over. I do believe (unless chapter 25 splits itself in half, due to length) that lots of things will be resolved in chapter 26. Thanks so much for taking time to share your thoughts.
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 24: In which disquieting thoughts are interrupted
Oh, sweet Valar! Nasty Big Men, nasty! Look about, Sam, and follow that brawny Man. And Woodruff--you'd best HURRY! Twitch, Ferdi--sit up or something!
Author's reply
Go, Sam, go. (Hmmm. That might work in a basal reader.) The Big Men are very nasty and I fear their time in Mandos will stretch long indeed. (Evil men go to Mandos too, don't they?)
Bodkin · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 24: In which disquieting thoughts are interrupted
Well ... It's just as well that no-one is keen to sprinkle lots of earth on Ferdi's face. Though I'm more than a little anxious that Woodruff gets there before his breathing is made any more difficult! ... ... I suppose that, in the end, Ferdi might come to appreciate the fact that he got to listen to his own eulogy. After all, there's not many as do! Merry's doing his best to hearten Pippin and make him believe that Farry can come out of this relatively undamaged - but really, Pippin's far too knowing to accept Merry's encouragement. I hoped Sam was going to spot the withdrawal of the brawny man ... but it looks as if the Three Farthing Stone hobbits might be too distracted to pick up on him. Shame. It won't do Farry any good if that message makes it back to the Fat Man. It looks as if Porky is just about to push the young villain into doing something unforgivable. If Red doesn't kick up too much of a fuss. I'm worried! I hope Farry is scheming - and figuring out some way of stretching the debate out. Or that the brawny man will provide a distraction. Or something!
Author's reply
Woodruff is on her way. Go, Sweetie, go! (Feeling rather like a cheerleader, waving puffy things and shouting.) "Whistling in the dark" I think they call it. Merry knows that Pippin is far too knowing, but he'll talk lightly anyhow. And Pippin will try. Sam's on the ball. Or at least Jay is. He was a good choice for Shirriff, and I'm glad Pippin put in a good word for him. That little act of thoughtfulness may well pay him back, with dividends. "Porky and Red"!! What a pair, makes me think of pork and beans. Hmm. Baked beans. Well, yes, that might work. (See a future chapter.) Farry is dreaming at the moment, not scheming, but he will have his chance to... um... *think* about the consequences of his actions, and make a conscious decision that requires all his wit and nerve, in his effort to survive this. Am I giving too much away?
Dreamflower · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 24: In which disquieting thoughts are interrupted
I couldn't help but find Ferdi's thoughts at the beginning humorous--he's listening to all the nice things being said of him--it reminded me of Tom Sawyer at his own funeral...only, thank goodness, Ferdi doesn't understand. But then...well, you weren't kidding about the angst. Poor Pippin! And Merry, trying so hard to keep the dark at bay for both of them! And yes, I would guess that Strider's searching for them would have been a good deal on their minds. I loved the way Merry reminded Pippin of his accomplishments--and that Farry took after his father! And this batch of Ruffians are truly dreadful, with the possible exception of "the young one". And hurry up, Woodruff! Ferdi's "dream" is going to turn into a nightmare if you don't!!
Author's reply
Yes, chief mourner at his own funeral. This story was influenced to some degree by the fact that "Tom Sawyer" was our read-aloud earlier in the month. (We've just finished "Little Britches" and are going on to the next in that series.) Also, your story of the Three Hunters was of some influence in this chapter. I had been focusing on Pippin and Merry's experience, while writing the draft. I hadn't thought much about Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas; so thanks for bringing them to mind. These ruffians are truly dreadful, the worst sort, as Pippin called them. The young one might not be totally lost, yet, but his soul is definitely endangered.
Pearl Took · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 23: In which a Took dreams, or does he?
*jaw dropping* Woodruff is really going to believe Ted :-O She's really going to run out to the graveside and try to stop them? 'Tis almost too good to be true. Please hurry Woodruff!! I see things will still not go well for finding Farry, not with that ruffian breaking his neck. No one for the Tooks to torture for information. Maybe he's to take Ferdi's place as someone who can't do anything but isn't dead since Ferdi might finally be saved from his fate. ;-) If the fat man sings, is the story over? LOL (sorry, that just popped into my head *embarrassed blushing* ) So nice that he hasn't given up his plans for Farry, what ever they are. I've no idea if he wants ransom or to just steal from a hoard or just cut the lad up as part of someone else's revenge against the Tooks/hobbis. Onward to digging up Ferdi :-) :-)
Author's reply
Yes, the mention of the dream about their daughter Heather was the clincher. She *had* to believe him then. Don't know if Heather's story will come out or not; it's background material and I haven't found a place yet to fit it in. I suppose I can put it in the author's notes, if all else fails. LOL "If the fat man sings" -- very funny! Smiles are rare, at the moment, when contemplating this story. I'm in the middle of the part that stretches me the most, and cannot wait to get past it. This is why I gave up reading Stephen King and graphic murder mysteries. As to the fat man's plans, those will become clear in chapter 25, I think. Thanks! Author Reply: p.s. can't quite dig someone up until they've been buried, now, can we?
Dreamflower · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 23: In which a Took dreams, or does he?
Stoopid ruffian! Broke his neck, and now what's Sam to do? Let's hope the other one is not as in the clear as he thinks--Sam really does deserve to catch at *least* one of the villians! Yay for Ted and Woodruff--hurry, Woodruff, hurry! Thank goodness Ferdi does not realize what's happening to him! And I'm very glad that poor little Farry is at least getting some sleep. That's right, lad, remember how brave your father and Uncle Merry were!
Author's reply
The club-wielder was the dullest of the group--Red isn't too bright, either, but he has his brother's twisted loyalty and the fat man's promise to their mother. It was Red who originally gave away their presence to Ferdi, necessitating the clonking on the head by the club-wielder. If Red hadn't broken cover, the ruffians could have gone on to their ultimate destination without bothering or terrorizing any hobbits at all. How they deserve their "just" desserts. Hope I can get it typed in over the weekend. Chapter 25 is a doozy, and I'm not sure I want to leave readers hanging over the weekend. I might just wait until Monday to post 25, if I don't have time to type in 26. (I think 26 is where the worst of it gets resolved. Hope so.)
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 23: In which a Took dreams, or does he?
Ooh, I hope they find the brawny Man before he has the chance to return to his companions--or at least become aware of his presence and track him back before worse evil befalls Farry. Poor Ferdi--serious brain injuries can be so difficult to deal with. At least he's beginning to be able to communicate.
Author's reply
Yes, Ferdi is recovering, perhaps at an unbelievable rate. I can only point to the fact that Frodo was at death's door late one night, and hopping out of bed the next morning. Thanks!
Bodkin · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 23: In which a Took dreams, or does he?
This is going right to the wire! And now nobody is close enough to poor Ferdi to see his shallow breathing or hear whispered words. I only hope Woodruff gets there in time to jump in the grave and check out Ted's 'I see not-quite dead people' moment. And Ted seems a bit better. Fingers crossed that the fever's broken and he will recover. Now - will Sam and his assistants notice the brawny man? Because when kidnappers say no-one's to be there, they generally get nasty if they find that the law is waiting. Not that the club-wielder will care - and I suppose he died happily surrounded by quantities of gold. And his demise is vengeance of a sort for Ferdi's injury. But the brawny man is still free! And, every now and then the fat man seems to be - quite pleasant. Which is scary, because at other times he is clearly anything but. And if the young ruffian has already written out all the required notes, he becomes disposable too. Like Farry. Then the villains could be down to Porky and Red. And that's not a good combination. So much going on - and little of it good!
Author's reply
You can blame "Utah" (the editor formerly known as EF) for going right to the wire. She eats this stuff up with a spoon. Hmm, poetic justice perhaps, that the club-wielder fell on his head. Hadn't really thought of that, but perhaps the Muse was thinking deeper thoughts than mine. Happens periodically. The fat man scares me too. Completely practical, and devoid of any real sentiment. Someone called Red a sociopath, but I think his big brother definitely fits the ticket.
Bodkin · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 22: In which a fever is interrupted
Nail chewing here! Plenty of nail chewing! Will Sam spot the second ruffian? Will Farry be minced? Will Ferdi end up trying to convince a pile of earth that he is still alive? Will Ted recover enough to make Woodruff believe in the experience of his floating soul? Will she risk leaving him? I'm down to my knuckles already. Update quickly before I lose my ability to type!
Author's reply
Poor thing. Updated. Does that help? (No, it really doesn't, much. Perhaps the next installment. *looks ahead* Um. Well. We'll get to the happy end, but there's some thundery bog to get through first.) Author Reply: p.s. you're in good company. According to PJ, Frodo chewed his nails to nubbins. But please do not lose your ability to type. EF will kill me. Or make me write more graphic horror and suspense. Or something like that. I wanted to make a quick and dirty, er, happy end to this story so I could work on your birthday present, but she insists. So it's all her fault! (And I told her so, today over coffee. But she says she'll be happy to edit your birthday present once hers is finished.) Aargh, drank too much strong coffee today and cannot sleep.
Pearl Took · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 22: In which a fever is interrupted
Huzzah! We've captured a ruffian . . . . . . on second thought, nope, no joy in "Mudville". There were two sent, we've only got one and it was what the lead ruffian wants to have happen, so it's most likely all for naught. Is the lead ruffian fattening Farry up because whoever they're taking him to is hungry? I'm certain it's not out of kindness. And will Woodruff ever listen to her Ted? Most likely not . . . after all that would upset everyone so much to raise a hue and cry and have it be wrong. (When will you be doing the re-write of your other Ferdi stories ;-) ) *keeping a watchful eye out for updates or ruffians . . . which ever come first*
Author's reply
Well, had some "free" time this morning and managed to type in all of the next chapter, so it ought to be posted tonight if all goes well. Very astute. Kind of a win-lose situation, in a way, if the ruffians are captured. Or maybe "everyone wins"? (Hobbits and fat man, I mean, both getting what they want. I guess it's not "everyone wins" though, for the captured ruffians certainly would be the losers.) Re-write of my other Ferdi stories? *snork* Good thing I hate re-writing so very much. Thanks!
demeter d · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 22: In which a fever is interrupted
There was one ruffian going for the gold, and another one following him.. I hope Sam and Jay are up to the both of them! things are looking better for Farry, for a bit, but not so good for Ferdi! i hope Regi has a lot to say about him, and Ted and Woodruff can get there quickly!
Author's reply
Sam and Jay are up to quite a lot of possibilities! Both were at the Battle of Bywater, after all, and both are high in Pippin's opinion, which says a lot for them. We'll just have to see if luck is on their side. Funny, isn't it, to hope for a long-winded hobbit? Author Reply: (thought I'd die of boredom, the first dozen times I tried to read LOTR as a teen, and kept stalling in the "Party" chapter.)
Larner · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 22: In which a fever is interrupted
The fat one has realized a well fed Hobbit lad will sleep deeper and pose less of a problem, while Sam and company have got Red but are apparently unaware of the brawny one who was sent to follow him. Two captives would be better in this case, if Sam had thought it possible a follower was also sent. Now, Ted is alert and able to talk coherently, allowing Woodruff to realize his prescience is working. Hurry, Ted, Woodruff--it's getting far too close to the time the "words" are finished and things become irrevocable. And they are referred to as "prescient" dreams. I used to have them frequently as a child, but not as often any more, or not a vividly as I used to to the point of remembering them afterwards. Most of mine are of things like snatches of conversations, things that barely have an impact on anything, although I did dream a monologue a friend in drama class did once, and the funeral of a cousin's husband who was murdered. At the time of the dreams I had NO idea what either dream meant, of course.
Author's reply
Very astute observation. The fat man is no fool. He's simply a very practical, very evil, man. You've had such dreams? Are you part Took, then? I once knew someone who dreamed... it seems that they're more common in adolescence, something to do with the stresses/hormones of puberty. But the dreams never were clear enough to give any direction, only a sort of "deja vu" when the happening finally took place in reality.
demeter d · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 21: In which a Took takes breakfast
Now it is poor Ferdi who thinks he is dreaming. Will he wake enough to realize what is happening? At least the Ruffians are feeding poor Farry. And his memories of his father's adventures are still giving him courage, i am hoping for continued scuffling among the Ruffians.
Dreamflower · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 22: In which a fever is interrupted
YEESSSS! Yay for Sam, and for Jay and the others--the first of the ruffians to get caught! I'm a little relieved for Farry--he's still captive, still in mortal peril, but at least his fears are eased a little and he can rest, poor baby. But--oh dear! Ferdi! How on earth is Ted going to make anyone believe him?
Author's reply
Yay for Sam and Jay and the rest! But the bird's not in the hand, exactly, quite yet. Poor Farry... he's in for a very rough time, the next few chapters, but am aiming at the happy resolution. Can one say "happy" at a time like this? And Woodruff and Ted have been married since Pippin was younger than Farry is in this story, so she knows him well and trusts him and he knows what to say to get her to listen. Whew. And I'm out of time for today, but look forward to reading Chapter 2 of your "Uruk-hai" story when you post it!
harrowcat · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 21: In which a Took takes breakfast
Sorry Lindelea I was trying to login to send a review and the computer decided to have a mind of its own! I didn't think it was going to be so easy for Farry to get away but at least he tried and hasn't lost his wits. I guess nobody is going to be very pleased with Siggy. Not that it would have made too much difference, why, oh why, didn't he make sure of his errand first? Above all, I love the links between the sections. Got to go clean carpets now.
Author's reply
Computers *do* have minds of their own. I'm firmly convinced. Siggy might not be the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but he means well. I think he'll be a little more careful in future, don't you? Lovely cleaned carpets, I love the feeling under bare feet.
Bodkin · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 21: In which a Took takes breakfast
Ah, does Siggy need a brain implant? Isum seems unimpressed by him. He should take note. If Ferdi doesn't manage to recover just a bit of movement before they bury him, there could be a problem. He needs to shift more than eyelashes! A voice might help! That Red - a psychopath if ever there was one. Nasty piece of work. Still he might reduce the odds if he gets too close to the youth who recaptured Farry. But I doubt Farry will get the chance to run again. Come on Merry and Pippin. Sneak up on the creeps. More!
Author's reply
A brain implant! That's the ticket! Oops, just checked on the level of civilisation and we seem to be a few pence short of a shilling. No implants available. Red, now there's a clear-cut choice between good and evil. You can tell which side he's on, even when he's not wearing a coloured shirt. Go, Merry and Pippin! (And Isum seems to be demanding to get in on the action, old dear. Do you think he ought to be allowed?)
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 21: In which a Took takes breakfast
Oh, my sweet Ferdi--isn't he EVER going to twitch???!!! And poor Farry, to think he had a chance but then find the youngest ruffian is still that! Drat!
Author's reply
Poor Ferdi, he really belongs in a bed, with people cossetting him. He's sustained a head injury, after all, and it takes some time for the swelling to subside. But keep thinking good thoughts! (Please.)
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 20: In which a watch is interrupted
Aha--bless quickwitted young Hobbits and sons of the Troll-slayer! Come on, Ferdi--TWIIITCHHH!!!
Author's reply
Oh, my, you caught up, and quickly! Don't have time at the moment to answer reviews, but I surely do appreciate them, so very heartening, and I will hope to come back on the morrow with more answers. Dratted Ferdi, he can be so unaccommodating.
storyfish · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 21: In which a Took takes breakfast
Oh, drat! Farry didn't escape! I suppose he'll have to just sit tight and wait for the rescuers, then. Bravo on another great installment in your latest saga! I think my favorite part about this chapter was the way you paired the scene of Farry getting some food with Merry urging Pippin to eat (who doesn't want to because he doesn't know if Farry has any! *tears*). I can just imagine what those two scenes would look like if this was shot as a movie...awesome transition... ;-) I'm also intrigued by the fat ruffian's character--am I decieved, or is he getting increasingly soft with Farry? I hope so because it seems that poor Farry needs all the help he can get! Oh, and as a side note--I did get over my writer's block and my story is posted now (on SoA, of course)! Yaaaay! It took me a year to actually sit down and write the thing. And now, of course, I've vowed never to write fanfic again (because I must work on my novel...my thesis is due in the spring!) but we'll see how long that particular resolution lasts... *grin* I'm such a sucker for them hobbits.
Author's reply
You don't know what a temptation it was to allow Farry to melt into the underbrush. I am not looking forward to fleshing out the draft of the next few chapters... am hanging on to that happy ending for dear life. Thanks for your perceptive comments! You know, I "see" a story in my head, rather like a film, and so it is very likely that you'd see a cinematic transition when I can manage one. Hoorah! You finished and posted your story! I hope to read it sometime this week, or maybe next week, when I'll have a little more reading time.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 19: In which a Took pauses for reflection
So, Ted knows, does he? Not only Frodo has second sight, apparently. Come on, Woodruff--get out there and keep poor Ferdi from being buried alive! And one more is being sent away, sacrificed by the fat Man. Hmmmmmmmm......
Author's reply
Well, JRRT said something about a rumour that Tooks have "fairy blood", and Frodo had prophetic dreams (I think that's what they're called, even though Gandalf called one of his dreams rather belated). So it stands to reason that other Tooks might, even though such a thing would be considered scandalous, and thus rarely, if ever, talked about.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 18: In which an argument is interrupted
The fat one is far smarter than club-wielder, it appears; and he's going to willingly sacrifice the fool. One less for Merry and Pippin to have to deal with. Am looking for some good in the boy, myself.
Author's reply
The fat man is the brightest of the bunch, and he is intelligent, in a frightening way. And yes, the boy is still malleable, not formed and hardened to evil quite yet.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 17: Interlude: Some thoughts on practicality
You do write a good villain here--a "decent" sort in his own mind, at least. And utterly believable, you know. Now, to find out just what Tooks are made of....
Author's reply
Y'know, I always thought that graduate course in Abnormal Psychology might come in handy some day.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 16: In which a Took makes an appalling discovery
She was listening to his heartbeat, but now is letting the shrouding go on? She's not quite with it yet, is she? Come on, Ferdi--TWITCH!
Author's reply
No, she's not quite with it. She was asleep, after all, and thought she was dreaming. Yoo-hoo, Ferdi! Wake up!