storyfish
· 11 August 2006
· Chapter 20: In which a watch is interrupted
Yay! I finally had time to read this fic, and I'm glad because it's been very exciting so far! I'm hoping Ferdi won't be (gasp!) buried alive, and Farry will get out of the cave safely. It's only a small comfort that I know they MUST survive since you've written "sequels" already, because things look so dire now...and who knows how you'll pull off the surviving? ;-)
Oh, but Diamond will be spitting mad when she finds out that Pip didn't tell her just WHOSE child is missing! Actually, serves him right if she chews him out. I know he's just trying to protect her, but REALLY! (Here's the place where I would usually say, "MEN!" in an exasperated tone with much eye-rolling, but seeing as they're hobbits and would take offense, I'll refrain...:-P)
But my favorite parts are, as usual, those little observations you make about family and relationships and life.... Nell's reaction to her husband's "death" is so beautifully written, as is Pippin's farewell at dawn....
Author's reply
Hurrah, am always glad to have another join the party. The more the merrier, I say. And it makes the Muse more tractable.
(shhh, don't tell her I said so) Ahem. Yes, the Muse is the sweetest, loveliest creature on the face of this earth, always so accommodating and not to mention, clever.
I could only write this stuff because I know the outcome! Whew.
I'll say it for you. "Hobbits!"
Oo, I like the sound of the word. Hobbits. Let me say it again, to get it right. Hobbits.
Love hearing about your favourite parts.
Thanks!
Author Reply: p.s. hope your writer's block is clearing up. Looking forward to the new story.
demeter d
· 11 August 2006
· Chapter 16: In which a Took makes an appalling discovery
Just noticed i reviewed 17 and 18, but not this one yet. Must feed the Muse! Do tell dear EF she should have gotten a position in the Middle Ages as a castle torturer! This plot is getting quite intense. the first part of Ferdi's point of view does sound like he has left his body, died. it sounds very much like several near-death and return-from-death stories i have read. the person feels himself floating in the emergency room, watching the staff trying to revive him. Many describe being pulled, or wanting to follow a light. Many then tell of either having some person send them back, or feeling a compelling reason to go back. Then the point of view shifts, and it seems obvious that he is back in his body again. And Nell is dreaming that she hears his heartbeat. Hmmmm. i do like the way you go in blocks, from scene to scene in the story. it is a very "Tolkien' pattern. in LOTR, he follows one story line for several chapters, leaving the other hanging, as one scholar I saw interviewed once put it, "the people actually in the story have no idea what the other characters are doing right then, either." All in all, an enjoyable form of torture!
Author's reply
Oops, missed replying to this. The Muse nods her head in a gracious manner to thank you for the delicious tidbit.
EF should probably have had such a position. She has refined my knowledge of such things as medieval punishments and justice(?) through the ages. Rather a hobby of hers.
I've read a few near-death interviews, and yes, you're right in recognising the signs.
Thanks for the kind word on "writing in blocks". I sometimes wonder how well it's working. It can be difficult to juggle so many individuals and actions all taking place at the same time on the timeline, and figuring how to switch back and forth without confusing anyone (self included!).
demeter d
· 11 August 2006
· Chapter 19: In which a Took pauses for reflection
Well, now they will know when Ferdi and Farry left Whitwell. Has Ted in his feverish state been communicating with Ferdi's equally unsettled spirit? This just gets better and better! So, one of the ruffians is going to the stone to look for the gold, after all! Bur really there will be the two of them. i hope that there are enough Hobbits there to deal with them. But if they are both killed, how will they find the rest of the gang, and poor Farry? This chapter raises as many questions as it answers!
Author's reply
The source of Ted's knowledge will come clear soon, if all goes well. After all, there has to be a way for Woodruff to distinguish between delirium and truth!
And the Muse has a few tricks up her sleeve, yet, as to how the searchers might find Farry. They have hunters, for one thing, following a trail. And there are hobbits spreading out in that general direction, searching, and more in the vicinity of the Three Farthing Stone. It's going to be a bit difficult, even, for the two travelling ruffians to avoid detection!
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 11 August 2006
· Chapter 19: In which a Took pauses for reflection
Oh, the chaos that is about to descend on Whitwell! Poor Pearl!
And I love the part with Woodruff and Ted--how does he know Ferdi's not dead? Is it that he's so close to it himself? But it's very touching and eerie.
And *whoot*! Sam's going to get a chance at TWO Ruffians! (So, how many apiece does that leave now for Merry and Pippin? I do hope you are dividing up the Bad Guys fairly--they all three deserve to get their whacks in now, after all this pain and trouble.)
*rubs hands gleefully and waits for more*
Author's reply
As to Ted... he's a Took, you know. And Tooks are rumoured to have fairy blood, though they of course discount such wild tales. More to come out soon, I hope.
Well, I didn't want to leave Sam out of the party. But the brawny man is following, not walking *with* the clubman, so it's possible someone else might get a chance at him, later. You never know.
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 11 August 2006
· Chapter 19: In which a Took pauses for reflection
Oh dear. Ted's not well. And if Woodruff won't leave him for Ferdi's funeral, he is very, very not well. Not to mention hovering between life and death if he can spot Ferdi's spirit in like case. And Woodruff is at the edge of her endurance if she can't spot the message Ted is giving her.
And, Siggy dear, I think that if Farry was with his cousins, they wouldn't be treating him like a very superior visitor - and he would be out there doing chores, too. But you can't expect a bored Took to think on an empty stomach. He'll start flapping now and not know what to do next.
Fingers crossed that the anticipated funeral is not taking place - or is, at least, coming to an unusual conclusion.
And I suspect brawny man is potentially being set up as a sucker, too. After all, he's passed on the essential information - and a dead conspirator cannot reveal what he knows.
And yes ... you're definitely vulnerable at Starbucks. EF should know that it's not just in libraries that they are watching you... And a thank you to her for liking my elves.
Author's reply
I'll let EF know about your confirmation of her paranoia, next time we talk.
Siggy's a bit of a snob. Or is he a prig? I forget. In any event, he's in for some discomfort.
At least Pippin left orders that there is to be a good, lo-o-ong funeral procession. Every little bit helps.
Too true, the brawny man is not needed. He has a better chance than many of surviving, though, with his knowledge of the Shire. And I don't think the fat man would deliberately betray this old friend. I could be wrong, though.
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 11 August 2006
· Chapter 18: In which an argument is interrupted
The worst that could happen is pretty bad - but I suppose that, once you've looked that in the face...
Merry and Pippin both need action now. Brooding will just remind them of just how much can go wrong when evil is doing its worst.
The chief villain, on the other hand, does seem to be offering to do some of their job for them. Club wielder deserves a nasty fate - and he is being offered it in the guise of a big bag of gold. On the other hand, whining brother Red seems like one of those nasty kids that likes torturing kittens. I think the world can do without him.
And I know what kind of luck I'm hoping for when it comes to Farry's captors. And it's not on their side.
Author's reply
And having looked it in the face, Merry can go on to do what he must do, without hesitation or self-doubt or second-questioning. So I guess it works even if the worst is unbearable to contemplate.
And Red is horrible and irredeemable. Sadly, there are people like that in real life, and it's an awful thing to contemplate. I have a firm grasp of the kind of luck the ruffians in this story deserve...
Thanks!
Pearl Took
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 18: In which an argument is interrupted
Lovely bunch, this lot. Though it does look as though they haven't quite got hobbits pegged properly.
Author's reply
Not quite. I don't think they have much acquaintance with *hobbits*, at least of the Travellers' ilk. The ones who were in the Shire in Sharkey's time were used to cowed, obedient hobbits who were used to living in an orderly manner and thus meekly followed whatever Rules were going. The youth, who'd never met a hobbit before, has, well, never met a hobbit before. And the one who travelled in the Shire before the Troubles only met pleasant, friendly hobbits. So they're a little ignorant of their peril.
There may be a few lessons learned before the day is over.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 18: In which an argument is interrupted
"The stupidest and most weak-willed" I think I said...
Looks about like. And why should the leader of the Ruffians bother thinning out the sharers of the loot, when they are all too willing to do it themselves.
Looks like Sam gets something to do after all. *evil grin*
Poor Merry. Such work keeping Pippin's spirits up, and yet he himself is so vulnerable--I hope Pippin can spare a moment to help dispell his cousin's Shadows...
Author's reply
Yes you did. I had to go back and look it up, but it was in a review of chapter 10. Did I ever tell you that you are a perceptive reader? *g*
Couldn't leave Sam out of the action, poor fellow, not when he'd gone and got Sting and everything. He must be furious to contemplate ruffians so close to Bywater, which is so close to Hobbiton... and the Hill.
Poor Merry. You know, I think it would take a superhuman effort for Pippin to pull himself out of his grief, at least at the moment. Do you think he's up to it? Of course, Pippin will be feeling better and more in control once they're following the trail and actually *doing* something constructive. It's the waiting that tears at the nerves.
Bodkin
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 16: In which a Took makes an appalling discovery
little scene with Ferdi (and Pippin, I think, and/or Merry), in the aftermath,
I was going to say that's a relief ... but then I thought suspiciously 'how long after?'
Ruthless ... yes. Ruthless in rescuing MFH from a hideous fate. And in retrieving a relatively undamaged Farry.
On the other hand, you can be as mean as you like to the villains! They deserve their fate.
Author's reply
Yes, well, erm.
I may have to seek protection from the Society for Protection of Favourite Hobbits before we come to the end of this tale. You know the sort of thing. Assume another identity. Go into hiding until the resolution of the crisis?
EF wishes to know, do you think they'd look for us at Starbucks? She likes their lattes best. I tell her I'm not sure I *want* to buy her any more lattes if it brings out such savagery on her part.
OTOH, she doesn't have to worry. Perhaps there's a sinister reason for her insistence on anonymity.
Choose your friends carefully!
But have I mentioned what a sucker I am for a happy ending?
And how do you define "relatively"?
Author Reply: OTOOH, perhaps I'll go to Kobos. I happen to think their coffee superior to Starbucks'.
(shhh. don't spill.)
Author Reply: EF came to have lunch with us today, and you would not believe the "plot enhancements" she is spinning.
Perhaps I ought to go into hiding from *her*
p.s. she sends her best. She says she loves your Elves (yes, EF, I changed it to uppercase E) but she never leaves reviews. Something to do with her suspicion that the public library is tracking everything she does on the Web.
demeter d
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 17: Interlude: Some thoughts on practicality
Absolutely chilling! The inside of that ruffian's head is a frightening place to be! Even his own men will have to watch their backs. it sounds like one of
Farry's best hopes might be just that, the chance of strife between the men. Too bad he decided not to go after the gold at the Four Farthing Stone. I wanted to see Sam take after them with Sting! I also very much like the irony you have set up. Even as he drools over the ransom that Aragorn's beloved daughter might bring,he wonders about the seeing stone. If he knew he had the son of Aragorn's small citadel quard and shield brother, I think he WOULD BE afraid of the King's seeing stone!Too bad there was not very fast communication in Middle Earth. Where are Gwaihir and his brothers wHen you need them?
Author's reply
Someone who is completely practical is a frightening concept, especially if "untainted" by such impractical feelings as compassion.
There's a thought. Someone shout, "The Eagles are coming!" Perhaps it would startle the ruffians long enough for Farry to get away.
Pearl Took
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 17: Interlude: Some thoughts on practicality
I was not really of a mind for an interlude . . . but this was insightful. Interesting how the lives of some are colored by their experiences. Well done!!
Author's reply
Glad it was insightful. It doesn't really fit in the flow of the story, being more pondering than action, and it might be placed a chapter too late (chronologically should fall before dawn) but if it doesn't confuse the reader too much to backtrack on the timeline I'll probably leave it where it is. It breaks the tension nicely, in a way, before adding more.
Dreamflower
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 17: Interlude: Some thoughts on practicality
Oh what an interesting glimpse into the minds of the characters--the Bad Guy was especially chilling. He kind of reminded me of Fagin in Oliver Twist, as he puts his own peculiar stamp of approval on his own reprehensible actions. I found his musings on greed especially ironic. And of course, I'm beginning to feel just a wee bit sorry for "the new lad". But not for the rest of them.
And poor Pippin. Yes, indeed, it is at a time like this that he really still needs his Merry, very badly.
Author's reply
You know, you're right, Fagin would be a good comparison.
I think of all personalities, those who are pragmatic might be the among the most frightening. When you think of the horrific things that have been done in the name of practicality... and are still being done...
I'm glad you're feeling a wee bit sorry for the new lad. So am I. He has fallen amongst bad companions, and it is only too likely where that sort of thing will lead.
I am so glad that circumstances had Merry and Sam on the spot when everything broke loose. Whew!
Bodkin
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 17: Interlude: Some thoughts on practicality
A practical man indeed. But practical in a very nasty way. Still, if he practically disposes of some of his assistants, that would be very helpful of him. And he will keep Farry safe ... at least until he starts sawing bits of him off.
And if Siggy is complaining about being sent off somewhere safe and pointless, I suspect he's going to end up being rather more active than he will enjoy!
This is one dawn that can't come soon enough for Pippin. He needs to be off to the rescue, even if he doesn't believe that he will be able to get there in time.
Author's reply
Poor Siggy, can't win for losing as my mum used to say.
You have pegged the head ruffian very neatly. Nasty piece of work. Cannot feel any sympathy for him, which, I suppose is a good thing, considering.
Bodkin
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 16: In which a Took makes an appalling discovery
Oh goodness! Poor Ferdi. And, of course, the twitch of an eyelid or a slight finger movement isn't going to be enough now he's all stitched up in his shroud! He needs to be able to wriggle like a worm (or shout) - before the earth starts pattering down on him.
So typical of Ferdi that Farry's need and his own sheer outrage would make him hang on long beyond the point when most would have given up.
And Nell is struggling with her own despair and exhaustion - too much so to realise that she was actually listening to Ferdi's heartbeat.
What an experience for poor old Ferdi!
Author's reply
Um. Yes. Over coffee yesterday EF told me I'm going to have to get ruthless. And here I thought I was doing so well! Er, badly. Er, horrifically. Something to that effect.
But you know, this review has sparked a little scene with Ferdi (and Pippin, I think, and/or Merry), in the aftermath, and I really hope that I can fit it in.
Thanks!
harrowcat
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 17: Interlude: Some thoughts on practicality
Crumbs, that was quick Lindelea! Thank you. A 'practical' man indeed this leader of the ruffians. Just as well that he doesn't know that he has stolen a prize even more treasured than just the son of the Thain - the son of the 'Prince of the Halflings' and a Captain of Gondor and a Knight and, above all, a close friend of the King. How much more noble can you get.
Now I really must go or I shall be late, again! Sleep well.
Author's reply
I did sleep well, thank you.
I do wish they had telephones in Middle-earth, it would be so nice if Pippin could ring up Elessar and ask him to take a gander in his Seeing Stone.
harrowcat
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 16: In which a Took makes an appalling discovery
Hi Lindelea - still here, just! Thanks for the prompt response and I am so glad that you are getting some writing/typing time. I wasn't doubting your quick posting just moaning that I might have to miss reading time!
Will pass on your best wishes to Mum. It gives her a lift and she gets quite moved by the thought that people she doesn't know care enough to think about her. So, many thanks to you and Larner and a few others.
My parents, and dog, live in Warwickshire and in a little village out beyond the street-lights. I enjoy going home to be surrounded by green as I live in a small bed-sit in London and have no access to a garden.
Am out and about during the Summer break. Am enjoying it but miss my reading time. Happy Summer!
Author's reply
I hope I didn't make you late! I wasn't going to post that chapter until the morning, but since you were heading out of town I thought I'd give you something to go on.
A little village out beyond the street-lights, surrounded by green. How lovely it sounds.
harrowcat
· 10 August 2006
· Chapter 16: In which a Took makes an appalling discovery
Oh Lindelea - I knew it. You actually had me convinced that he was dead by the beginning of this chapter except of course that he couldn't be. Then I knew that hearing his heart and breath was not a dream and I wanted to shout it out. Just as well I live alone because I am bouncing up and down in frustration on Ferdi's behalf! Pleeeese don't keep us waiting. I know you won't but, I've just realized that I am off to Shire Country to look after Mum today until Saturday and that is out of internet range! Oh how will I wait???!?
Author's reply
I happened to be typing in the next chapter when I got this, so I thought I'd answer you quickly.
Shire country, really? If it is the same place we passed through, on holiday, it is a lovely place indeed and I envy you!
As far as keeping people waiting, I'm trying to type in and add a chapter a day, so long as I have the writing time. (I don't always, but we're taking a little bit of a break this week and next.)
So let's see, how many chapters will you have, when you come back, to catch up on? Think of it as a lovely surprise package. (at least, I hope that's a reasonable analogy)
And really, the next chapter (the one I'm typing in) goes a little *back* on the timeline, a few hours before dawn, because I didn't plan well I suppose, and then the story must move forward again to catch up to where Ferdi was when we last saw him. So Saturday's chapter may very well be the one where we pick up the thread of his tale! (or not, as it depends on how long the chapters run and if they split themselves. But think good thoughts.)
Anyhow, have a lovely time, and say hi to Mum for me though she won't know me from a hole in the ground, probably. (Hey, Mum, some loony author told me to say hi to you!)(Or would that be barmy? I'm tired and I'm starting to mix my idioms.)
Author Reply: p.s. you're right, the heartbeat and breathing are *not* a dream! (Have been in that brainless state that Nell is experiencing at the moment. We call it "Mommy Brain" and it is due in great part to sleep deprivation. Newborns eat round the clock, and don't seem to know that night is for sleep!
Pearl Took
· 9 August 2006
· Chapter 16: In which a Took makes an appalling discovery
Oh my! This was wonderful in a dark way. One would almost think you had been through such an experience.
Whew!
Move, Ferdi, move!!!!! Twitch. Blink. Gasp.
Anything!!!
Author's reply
No, I was just deeply moved by an account I read once, of a coma victim interviewed after awakening. Aware of everything around, sight, sound, smell, the feel of a hand, but unable to move a muscle, not even a twitch or blink. Completely helpless, and dependent on others. Hearing every word of nearby conversation. Knowing what was happening, and yet unable to respond.
And then, suddenly, without warning--movement returned, and speech.
An astonishing story, and sobering too, when one considers the implications.
Poor Ferdi, I'm sure he would love to move, if he could! If only editor-friend would relent. I told her to go and watch a horror movie, but will she listen? I ask you.
Dreamflower
· 9 August 2006
· Chapter 16: In which a Took makes an appalling discovery
Oh dear! He's waking up at last! Poor Ferdi!
And in the midst of all that angst, you had to make me go and giggle with his thought about getting dressed the night before for a breakfast feast!!
Well, at least he's finally waking up!
Author's reply
The horror of it is that he's actually been awake, and though he was briefly out of his body (precipitated by the pain of Tolly's tripping on his head and falling on him), he was soon back *in* his body and for the most part aware of his surroundings, though unable to respond, and also not thinking clearly part of the time.
I read an interview with a former coma victim once, and was deeply impressed by the account. What Ferdi experiences--being able to perceive through all his senses, though unable to respond--is drawn from my memory of that reading.
So it is possible that he could be lowered into the grave and buried, knowing what is happening to him, yet unable to lift a finger to prevent it. Some people go in for that kind of horror. It really isn't my cup of tea, but as I said, I'm stretching myself with this story.
Author Reply: p.s. sometimes we find humour in the middle of angst. My mom used to say, "Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying..."
demeter d
· 9 August 2006
· Chapter 15: In which a pursuit is interrupted
Meadowsweet is a good. friend. Perhaps she can remind Nell that she needs to live for her children. You create such good atmosphere. i can just see Haldi crouched in the dark waiting. And sturdy, faithful Sam and the Shirriff heaving the heavy bag of gold onto the stone. i certainly would not want the bearer of the legendary Sting coming after me in anger! Farry has been hearing the old tales of friendship and courage all of his young life. I hope that he can draw his own courage from them. So now, with the Hobbits, we wait for dawn!
Author's reply
O thank you! I write, for the most part, what I see in my mind's eye. Rather cinematic. And I read the same way, forming pictures, so much so that if I cannot "place" a character from the author's descriptions, I lose my focus and the thread of the plot.
It makes the writing flow nicely, just so long as I can "see" what is happening. I get stuck, for the most part, when I can't work out where someone is, or exactly what they're doing with their hands, that sort of thing.
Farry is very courageous, indeed, and hopefully he will understand that sometimes the bravest thing to do is nothing at all.
Dreamflower
· 9 August 2006
· Chapter 15: In which a pursuit is interrupted
Oh, the poor hobbits! This is so sad, and suspenseful. I just want to hug poor Nell, and tell her it will all be okay. I also like the way she's grown a backbone, and that it's Frodo's example, and her brother's, that helped her do so.
I love the way Merry is taking care of Pippin--just like he always has, knowing Pippin won't sleep, yet knowing his cousin needs to rest. But his own heart has to be breaking as well.
And Sam, so determined. Personally, *I* wouldn't wnat Sting's wielder mad at *me*! I'm still curious as to whether the Men would be greedy enough to risk one of their group to fetch the gold at the Three-Farthing Stone, even if the others--with Farry--come nowhere near.
And, yeah, as to their true destination--well, yeah...
Author's reply
Yes, I also like that Nell has grown a backbone. She rather irritates me at times, poor dear. I see some of my own failings in her. Aargh.
You're right about Merry. He is being eminently practical, and I'm certain that he's keeping his own emotion in check, for Pippin's sake, but I wonder at the toll it's taking on him. Hmmm. There's a grain of an idea there.
Ah, that true destination, so very convenient, and inconvenient at the same time. Will Farry have the courage to keep silent?
harrowcat
· 9 August 2006
· Chapter 15: In which a pursuit is interrupted
Oh Yes, do keep believing Farry. And I know resting isn't as good as sleeping but I am glad that Pippin is getting just a little or he will fall ill to top everything. He must remember that even Aragorn had to stop and rest when it was too dark to follow the orc trail and rescue Himself and Merry.
Author's reply
Good point, even I had forgotten that Aragorn had to stop and rest during that long chase!
Bodkin
· 9 August 2006
· Chapter 15: In which a pursuit is interrupted
Ferdi had better come back from beyond the veil - if only to save his daughter from being called 'Girl'. We've just discovered a photograph of my uncle as a baby inscribed 'Little Winkie' ... fortunately not a name he got stuck with for life!
The second guessing of the villains is nerve-wracking ... one of them ought to contact Dreamflower - she has the Sight ...
And Sam is doing a good job - and I hope he gets a chance to exert his feeling of outraged honesty on at least one of the scum. Nothing is more ruthless than an honest hobbit driven beyond the edge.
Thank goodness this is coming quickly!
Author's reply
'Little Winkie'. Hmm. Got a kind of ring to it.
You wonder how much names influence fates. Like, I cannot imagine a woman named "Bubbles" becoming a famous solicitor, arguing cases before the highest court.
Gee, I wonder if Dreamflower does consulting on the side?
I have some very perceptive readers. It is difficult not to be too predictable!
Bodkin
· 9 August 2006
· Chapter 14: In which a Took is abruptly awakened
Sneaky title - I know which Took I wanted to waken abruptly, and it was neither Diamond nor Farry. Nor Nell, come to that.
The sooner the muster spreads out and starts to catch up with the captors, the better Farry's chances of surviving to marry Goldilocks. Fingers crossed Farry manages to use some of those skills he's learned from his Da - and his Uncle Ferdi - and his own shrewd common sense.
And how can you torture poor Nell so? ... Diamond's not going to be pleased with Pippin ... but I think she'll understand his motives are good.
Author's reply
Did I not reply to this review? I was sure I had.
Clever Farry, in his position most of his cleverness will have to be those of omission rather than commission.
Poor Nell. In some ways she irritates me, she's such a wimp sometimes. I can understand what made her that way, after being such a free spirit, earlier. Beaten down by her father's oppressing ways, obligated to marry against her will, learning to love in the sunshine of her loving husband's regard, learning to appreciate the freedom of living outside of the Tookland, only to lose it all.
She needs Ferdi, his love and his daftness, as much as he needs her. Maybe even moreso.
harrowcat
· 8 August 2006
· Chapter 14: In which a Took is abruptly awakened
Oh this is winding itself into ever more complicated and anquished circles. Poor Diamond indeed. It will be truly awful when she does find out.
Author's reply
Well. It might well be truly awful--for Pippin.
Good thing Diamond has a good head on her shoulders, and doesn't run to hysterics.
Now if we can just move all the pieces about on the map and not have them collide until the proper time...
Thanks!