O The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Night by Lindelea
Larner · 25 August 2009 · Chapter 999999: Final Notes on the Story
Rereading for the MEFAs, and enjoying it even more this time through! Still wonderful, Lin! See you soon!
Author's reply
Thanks! (Haven't had time even to look at the MEFA listings yet... Every year I think I'll be less busy but things seem to get more busy as they go on...) Looking forward to seeing you!
Larner · 3 February 2009 · Chapter 999999: Final Notes on the Story
The Burl Ives' version is playing in my head now! Heh! Thanks for the words!
Author's reply
Yes, I think the Burl Ives' version is the tune I know best, and the one we sang at camp. The words here are a little different, but middlest and I just sat here and sang the whole through, with the words we know best. (Saying, "Daddy, you'd better go back again, for it must be a mighty fine town-o, town-o, town-o," saying, "Daddy, you'd better go back again, for it must be a mighty fine town-o!")
Larner · 3 February 2009 · Chapter 25: In which all is definitely well that ends well
Trust Bilbo to have given this young Hobbitess reason to rejoice ere the day grew older, and to have seen to it that his Took connections--and Brandybucks--all had more ribbons and laces than they'd looked to purchase in the next year! Heh! LOVE it! Thanks so for a wonderful story and a more wonderful title, now it's properly christened! And see you soon!
Author's reply
You're welcome! Whew, glad it's finished at last. Looking forward to seeing you! (And thanks!)
Dreamflower · 3 February 2009 · Chapter 999999: Final Notes on the Story
I love the new title! It's wonderfully appropriate, for all the reasons you state, and for one more: in Ellen Kushner's Public Broadcasting radio program, "Sound and Spirit", she once devoted an hour to music inspired by LotR--and in it, she revealed that she had always imagined Sam's troll song "Troll Sat Alone" to be sung to the tune of "The Fox Went Out"!
Author's reply
I hadn't heard that program, but want to know something? ...so have I. Every time I read that poem (most recently, while crafting that chapter in Bill the Pony's story), I hear it in my head to the tune of "The Fox Went Out". LOL!
Dreamflower · 3 February 2009 · Chapter 25: In which all is definitely well that ends well
Oh, Lin! Lin! LIN!!!! What an utterly perfect perfect ending for my beautiful story! I'm grinning and bouncing all over the place! All the Big Folk and Little, gathered in perfect understanding of things like cousins and sisters and special blankies. I adore fierce Nell--no neither Merry nor Pip would dream of crossing her. (and I loved the line about sisters and Orcs, thank you very much!) And the ending, with Bilbo replacing all of the frills and furbelows lost at the beginning! *whee!!!* *happy sigh* Now I must find the time to read all of it front to back at once! *hugs story close* "MINE!*
Author's reply
Awww. So pleased. (I had forgot when I posted the chapter, that Pippin hadn't heard this story before, so I had to go back and do a little tweaking on the chapter. Of course he would have heard of the magic bag of frills! There's a story that bears re-telling when a family's gathered together reminiscing!) *sigh* At last you have your birthday present, in whole. *hugs*
Larner · 21 January 2009 · Chapter 24: In which something precious is restored, and what was lost is found again
Ah--the girls' actions have been blest, and now he rests. And now one quite appreciates just what called him back! Bless Pimpernel and Rosemary! And our beloved Frodo is recovering too, and now all are able to rest and relax at last. Good! Am looking forward to that last chapter, of course--and another chapter of Thain!
Author's reply
LOL! Well, Thain is percolating again, so keep thinking good thoughts. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 21 January 2009 · Chapter 24: In which something precious is restored, and what was lost is found again
Aww...I love seeing the little lasses as unsung heriones! And those little "half-truths" to spare the grown-up's worry! *grin* But I wonder how Ferdi feels about his wife telling everyone he couldn't sleep without his blankie, LOL! I hope Merry and Pippin don't tease him too dreadfully about it.
Author's reply
*hugs* Just one chapter to go, I think! ...and if I'm remembering right, Pimpernel is older than both Pippin (of course) and Merry. I wouldn't want to tangle with her, if I were one of them. *g* Perhaps there will have to be a word to the wise... Am outlining the last chapter now, so it's worth considering. The thought had crossed my mind, actually, about the potential for cousinly teasing, or not, as it were. Hope I'm making sense, I've had too much coffee and too much chocolate today. Bad combination. Makes me type faster than my brain works.
Larner · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 23: In which Necessity is the Mother of Invention
Bless Nel for her sense and inventiveness and encouragement, and Rosemary for her patience and persistence, and the hired hand for his perception! And soon Ferdi will have his blankie back, and all will once again be right with the world as Merry recovers from his injuries! Wonderful!
Author's reply
It will be such a relief for wee Ferdi to have his blankie back! Got to go and cuddle youngest now, as she had an unfortunate close encounter with scalding coffee tonight. I wish we'd gotten ice on it quicker than we did, but now that we're home I'm going to bind up the burns with honey so they'll heal quicker. Looking forward to your visit!
Dreamflower · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 23: In which Necessity is the Mother of Invention
Oh, good! I was feeling so badly for the poor lasses toiling along; I'm so glad they are found. This has been such a delightful story--I'm almost sorry to see it wind down!
Author's reply
So am I! But all good things must come to an end sometime. (Bad things too, thankfully!) Am in an odd mood tonight. Went to Krispy Kreme to celebrate with their free inauguration donuts, and they had ten cent coffee too! And youngest wee hobbit (who drinks coffee, even tho we tell her it'll stunt her growth) managed to spill her scalding coffee on herself resulting in 2nd degree burns, poor lamb. The manager was so worried, he kept bringing us things. First aid spray. Gauze pads. Triple antibiotic cream. Medical tape. A dozen free donuts. Whew. It wasn't the restaurant's fault, but of course in today's society I guess he didn't want to take any chances.
Silmerina · 9 January 2009 · Chapter 22: In which it is shown that not just lads have conspiracies and adventures
*leaves encouragement to continue...* (plus puppy dog eyes)
Author's reply
Very difficult to resist those puppy dog eyes, you know. Thanks! Encouragement always welcome.
Dreamflower · 27 December 2008 · Chapter 22: In which it is shown that not just lads have conspiracies and adventures
I'm so glad to *FINALLY* get to read this chapter. Clever, clever little lasses! They are so brave and so practical--but of course, even after they find Ferdi's blankie, they will have to get back home--with Rosemary's sprained ankle. I should think that there are going to be some more frantic parents! This is such a delightful tale! Once it's done, I'll have to go back and read it straight through at one go... (((hugs))))) I hope you and yours had a lovely Christmas!
Author's reply
So very nearly done, now. We did have a lovely Christmas. Quiet, though. Snowed in, can you imagine? Thanks! and (((hugs))) back!
Larner · 26 December 2008 · Chapter 22: In which it is shown that not just lads have conspiracies and adventures
Most satisfying as Rosemary realizes the pattern behind the stones and finds the log! Although she's mistaken as to which lad threw them! Young enough to understand other children, old enough to see the signs, loving enough to search for the blanket! Lovely, Lindelea!
Author's reply
Thank you! I don't know what I'm doing typing in a chapter at 1 a.m. Will certainly pay for it in the morning. Wait a minute. It *is* morning. Argh.
Dreamflower · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 21: In which adults don't listen when they ought
Oh! Ferdie *needs* his blankie! Of course he does! I'm so glad the lasses will go and find it--it might possibly make up for their having started all the trouble in the first place!! *grin* This is great! I don't mind a lick that it is still not finished...
Author's reply
He does! His mother of all people ought to have known... but then, since he's outgrown faunthood, she's probably been trying to wean him off his blankie and so wouldn't be bothered by its absence. So glad you don't mind!
Larner · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 21: In which adults don't listen when they ought
Oh, I'm so proud of the lasses for realizing much of the problem and seeking to fix it! Now it's their turn for an adventure! Heh! But they'll find the blanket. Bless Pimpernel and Pearl. I'm tickled pink by their intelligence and the responsibility they display!
Author's reply
Very bright and thoughtful lasses. No wonder Ferdi fell in love with Pimpernel...
Larner · 27 July 2008 · Chapter 20: In which nearly all the adventurers are borne to their beds
Now the wives are getting restless! They'd best beware! Bilbo carrying his slender, sensitive lad home and seeing him to bed is still one image that stays with me, of course. And now all three are tucked up in their beds, and Sweetbriar will soon have their parents and guardian asleep beside them, too, of course. Poor Ferdi, scared of calling the fox back by speaking of it, and still bearing that feeling so long after; Pippin out to find out precisely what happened there before he was even borh; Paladin and Eglantine feeling it's all their fault; and now everyone sleeping it off. Dear Hobbits all, then and later as the story is finally told!
Author's reply
Yes, when wives get restless just about anything could happen! (Pimpernel ought to have a good memory of this incident, too, perhaps better than Merry's and Ferdi's at this point in the story...)
Dreamflower · 27 July 2008 · Chapter 20: In which nearly all the adventurers are borne to their beds
*Squeeeeeeeee!!!!* *grin* Now that I've pierced your eardrums, thanks ever so much for another lovely bit! Such nice sweet "c" to follow all the poor babies' traumatic "h"! Parents reassured, and everyone tucked nicely in, and we are back to the little group of storytellers, and now you've brought the wives in! (Yes, much worse to be in trouble with our wives, than, say, with the King of North and South and places between...) Absolutely! I'd love to have seen said King's expression at that prouncement--though being married himself, I'm sure he agreed with the wisdom of it! *sigh* Now wasn't that a lovely bedtime treat!
Author's reply
Aw, hope the dreams were sweet. I don't think Elessar is much surprised by anything Ferdi says, at this point. He knows that hobbit's habit of speaking his mind regardless of who might be listening. Yes, the story needed the wives to come in, actually, so I do believe they're settling beside their husbands, close to the fire, and even accepting a glass of whatever is going, in the interest of getting warm, of course!
harrowcat · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 19: ...which is not quite the end of it
Not quite the end but I am glad that they are safely reunited with their fathers. And great the Strider can understand Ferdi's fears. I don't actually want this to end.
Author's reply
I know, I always get that feeling near the end of a story, which is why it takes me so long to finish anything. *sigh* But at least the ideas are flowing again, which bodes well for other unfinished stories. Thanks for stopping by and dropping a note!
Larner · 7 July 2008 · Chapter 19: ...which is not quite the end of it
Beautiful and realistic rescue, and so real a fear in young Ferdi! And the thought of our Bilbo carrying his own lad home--yes, oh yes--I can so see it!
Author's reply
Yes, I love the image of a fatherly Bilbo (which likely comes out in times like this, most especially when Frodo's not really capable of appreciating the fact). Poor little Ferdi, he probably thought they were in really really big trouble. On top of everything else that had happened. And he was awake all night guarding Merry, and then Frodo poked him with a stick and yelled fierce and threatening things at him. Poor little fellow, must've been awfully bewildered and terrorized. *sigh* So glad we're at the threshold of the happy ending.
Dreamflower · 7 July 2008 · Chapter 19: ...which is not quite the end of it
Oh Lin! So glad to see the little ones safely out of danger, and in their fathers' arms at last! I loved Bilbo quietly advising everyone, seemingly ignored, yet they still did what he suggested--even if he didn't get credit for his ideas, LOL! And carrying his lad, just like the other fathers. And you came back to the fire and the telling of the tale once more! *happy sigh*
Author's reply
Yes, and am trying to wrap up all the loose ends, now. Whew. Got to concentrate. Let me know if I miss any, and I'll try to weave them in? So glad you enjoyed the nuances!
harrowcat · 7 July 2008 · Chapter 18: In which a youthful hobbit calls for help
Oooops! Sorry Lindela! That is what comes of typing reviews in small windows at work!
Author's reply
Ah, so that's what it was! I was thinking I'd have to change the name of the story to avoid confusion. Thanks for stopping by! Hope this finds you well.
harrowcat · 7 July 2008 · Chapter 18: In which a youthful hobbit calls for help
Chop them out? Oh no....be careful Dreamflower!
Author's reply
Definitely! Got to be careful! (LOL)
Dreamflower · 3 July 2008 · Chapter 18: In which a youthful hobbit calls for help
Oh, poor Frodo! But he's saved his cousins, even if he couldn't get to them! Poor babies! Thank you so much--I think that this has truly been the "gift that keeps on giving", LOL!! I will almost be sorry to see it come to an end! (Though I really do want to know what happens!)
Larner · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 18: In which a youthful hobbit calls for help
Poor Ferdi! Got poked, and Merry's unconscious, and now Frodo is as well. Poor things! Glad Bilbo's there for them! Now, to chop them out indeed without chopping them!
Author's reply
Indeed!
Larner · 21 May 2008 · Chapter 17: In which a youthful hobbit comes to a horrifying conclusion
Ah, Frodo--your head is foggy, and too much is going into the pot in a lump. Think, child! Where were the stones likely thrown FROM? Poor Frodo, and poor Merry and Ferdi if that branch is used to poke them! Wake up, lads--Frodo's confused and has--almost--found you!
Author's reply
Hard to think straight when you've just run into a tree... but he'll do his best. (and have you been reading ahead? Very perceptive comments.) Thanks!
Dreamflower · 20 May 2008 · Chapter 17: In which a youthful hobbit comes to a horrifying conclusion
Oh! Oh, poor Frodo, so certain that little Merry has been eaten by a fox! (And yet he was indeed very close to right in his guesses!) But he's close--so close! *bites fingernails*
Author's reply
So close... At least he's finally going in the right direction! Whew. Thanks! Author Reply: I think there's one chapter left, maybe two. A nice round twenty would do nicely. In any event, I do hope you haven't nibbled your nails to nubbins. Happy birthday! The finish won't come too belated, I think, so long as I can wrestle the computer away from other people long enough to type it in.