One Who Sticks Closer than a Brother by Lindelea
harrowcat · 28 May 2007 · Chapter 18: Digging Himself into a Hole
And so the family come to fetch him home. I am glad. But, in what dark dreams is he wandering?
Author's reply
Yes, home again. But your question deserves serious consideration. Had wanted to get another chapter in last weekend, but it looks as if it'll have to wait until the next weekend. Thanks so much for staying the course!
Larner · 24 May 2007 · Chapter 18: Digging Himself into a Hole
I pray the fever breaks and soon--hopefully very soon. Hope to be down in two weeks. Love to you and the hubby and the Hobbitlings.
Author's reply
Oh, hope to see you then! You can meet my new writing partner (the Giant Schnauzer, that is).
Dreamflower · 24 May 2007 · Chapter 18: Digging Himself into a Hole
Have we met Fredebold before? I don't remember him--how old is he? He seems a particularly oblivious hobbit, which could only be explained by either stupidity--unlikely given his family--or youth. I don't blame Hilly for wanting to smack him one. And poor Tolly, both the flashback Tolly and the current one...
Author's reply
Fredebold appears briefly in a few places, but not many. He has popped up as early as the writing of Flames (Chapter 50, "Abedding"). He also appears briefly in a parallel chapter of Striking Sparks (though his name is spelled a little differently there) and he's mentioned somewhere else, I forget exactly where. He comes between Mardi and Tolly in birth order. I figured out once that Hilly is close to Pippin's age, Tolly is a month apart from Ferdibrand (who's seven years older than Pippin), Mardi is about eighteen years older than Tolly, and Freddy falls somewhere between Mardi and Tolly, making him about Pearl's age. These seem like big gaps, but there are a few sisters sprinkled in there too. (My, aren't ages complicated? But I do better figuring by how they relate to other hobbits, than I do by birthdate.) He's rather self-absorbed and oblivious. Rumour has it he was dropped on his head as a baby. It might be that he suffered a high fever as a faunt, and was affected ever after, and his distressed mother coddled him. He's not mentioned much in stories as he's rather bland, dull, and uninteresting--not terribly Tookish at all, and not prone to those uncomfortable things called adventures. Thanks for asking about him, poor neglected fellow. (Skimmed through your latest chapter of Road to Edoras and enjoyed Merry's letter immensely. Got interrupted as I was starting to type a review, and haven't got back to it yet. But I'm sitting on pins and needles, and very uncomfortable it is, too, waiting to hear Cado's fate. Put us out of our misery, please!!!)
Bodkin · 13 May 2007 · Chapter 17: Measure Twice, Cut Once
Well, the extension to the smial sounds a jolly good thing - and a good way of showing Thainly appreciation for the aid of the family. Fireplaces in the bedrooms might be good - but the family might not have the fuel to heat them. A porch, on the other hand ... I'm glad to see Woodruff in full healer mode ... but I'm afraid that she's not going to be able to be all that encouraging about Tolly's state of health. Still, she was wrong when she declared Pippin to be on his way out. Maybe something equally unexpected will save Tolly.
Author's reply
Y'know, I hadn't thought of that--not having the fuel for extra fireplaces. But no one would be digging into the frozen ground at any event, so I've dodged that bullet, whew. Something unexpected. Hmmm...
harrowcat · 11 May 2007 · Chapter 17: Measure Twice, Cut Once
Poor Tolly. But I am glad that it is good news for the farmer and his family.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Tolly. I am feeling as sorry for him in this story as I was in "Greening of the Year" (if that's what that story was called, I don't remember exactly). But as you know, I always write towards a satisfying ending... There's just a bit of dark times to get through first. Not at all as dark as the story that came before this one, I'm glad to say! I could use a Thain, myself, to order up home repairs that we never seem to get around to doing! Thanks for staying with me. Have been ill but hope, now that the antibiotics have kicked in, to be able to write a little more consistently again.
Larner · 10 May 2007 · Chapter 17: Measure Twice, Cut Once
Alas, for he's burned perhaps a bit too brightly. May they find some easing for him. Thanks again for the truffles, and we all enjoyed the dinner. Love to the lasses and Bob, and a joyful mothers day to you.
Author's reply
You're welcome. Took the wee hobbits to Trader Joe's and one of them bought chocolates to share... I'm afraid they've inherited the liking. But I certainly enjoyed my share! I think he's beyond a normal healer's skill, even one so experienced and insightful as Woodruff. However, all hope is not yet lost. Thanks! Author Reply: p.s. Happy mothers day, to you too!
Bodkin · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 16: Sick as a Dog
Poor Meadowsweet. I should think that by now she's fairly convinced that Tolly isn't going to make it. At least, not with all his marbles in place. But he needs to deal with these issues from the past - now they have returned to him, you can see how important they are. (And he's right, too - not all men are the same, and Annie and the little'uns are as deserving of an upright hobbit's protection as any other innocents.)
Author's reply
Poor Meadowsweet. Hoping for the best. At least her Tolly's not in trouble with the Thain this time. Sometimes it must be quite as difficult to be in the Thain's good books, as not. To think he's still protecting Annie and her little'uns this many years later... Poor fellow. Which must seem worse to him, the dream he's trapped in, or the recent reality of watching the ruffians' execution, and the implications for the Men he set free?
Larner · 26 April 2007 · Chapter 16: Sick as a Dog
Poor Tolly still is fighting the fever, and it probably from more than one source now. Rennie's right to worry, but at least he's a SENSIBLE Took, unlike SOME I can think of. Heh! And bless our Sam, insistent on going out to meet the King as he comes to the Bridge, no matter how ill he's been--not that a visit with Strider wouldn't end up doing him a world of good anyway! So good to see this one updated. And love to the girls. Meesh and Nina enjoyed themselves thoroughly when we went for my birthday dinner, and I was so glad to see you.
Author's reply
Poor Tolly. This is probably the story I'll work on, in odd moments, because I wish to finish it and put it away. I have a couple of new ideas that I can't contemplate starting until some of the unfinished work is taken care of. And every time I start to work on "Thain" then *this* story raises its hand and tells me it's much closer to completion. "Sensible" and "Took". Do they really go together? *g* Y'know, it's true about Sam. And Rosie wouldn't be prone to fuss and keep him in bed, knowing he was going to see the King! A little athelas to complete the cure, now there's the ticket. We certainly enjoyed ourselves, too. E. says it's now her favourite Chinese restaurant, though she doesn't turn up her nose at where we go for lunch once a month, with its $2.99 luncheon special. The wee hobbits also send their best. Did I tell you we adopted (rescued) a Giant Schnauzer? Marvellous dog.
Dreamflower · 26 April 2007 · Chapter 16: Sick as a Dog
A very nice respite and regrouping, as all except Tolly are gradually on the mend. I liked Renilard's constant persistance on "how long" he'd been out. That's so hobbity--I remember that both Frodo and Merry seemed to need that information immediately after they were brought out of their illnesses in canon. It's as though hobbits need to have their "inner clock" reset if its been off for some reason--once they know that, they seem to get on just fine! Another fascinating thought about hobbit metabolism. I look forward to more--especially seeing the King again.
Author's reply
O yes, it'll be nice to see the King again. That *is* a fascinating thought, that never occurred to me. I mean, I give hobbits an inner clock ruled by mealtimes, but of course those might well be tied to the real clock. (Does Miss Dora have any thoughts on this?) No time for writing, lately. Have been very ill again, more bronchitis with a sinus infection on top of it, but the antibiotics are finally kicking in. Have spent all would-be writing time sleeping instead. It was lovely to see your new chapter of "Road to Edoras"! But now I must get back to the much-neglected housework. We have company coming tomorrow night, and even though I know they're coming to see us and have a meeting and hopefully do some productive planning, they'll also see the house, even if that's not their primary focus. Whew. I can tell I'm getting my energy back. I'm long-winded. (I do that, too, when muddled by meds but I haven't had any in two days, hurrah!) Thanks again for your help with the timing. Dug out the email just yesterday and am plotting the next chapter.
harrowcat · 26 April 2007 · Chapter 16: Sick as a Dog
I am enjoying this Lindelea but, even more, I am looking forward to rereading it when it is complete and I have time to sit and enjoy without having to get dressed for work! Cuddling down in bed again sounds great about now - and I don't need a fire in my bedroom as it is far too hot here for April!
Author's reply
It's chilly, here, at night, though the days are beautiful--not too hot, but mild and promising. Am about to cuddle down in bed again, actually, as it's much too later, er, early, to be up. So nice of you to stop by!
Bodkin · 30 March 2007 · Chapter 15: Out of the Frying Pan
Well - they've found Tolly's body! Now they've just got to retrieve his mind from the days of the Troubles. Piece of cake ... They just need a couple of healers. The King might be handy. This isn't going to be straightforward, now, is it, dear author? There's still a lot of story waiting to be unravelled - and, I think, a lot to come out about Tolly and his dealings with Big People. But at least Pippin and his exhausted hobbits have found their quarry.
Author's reply
The King... now there's a thought. Well, the story is closer to being unravelled than it was before, I'm happy to report. Thanks!
harrowcat · 28 March 2007 · Chapter 15: Out of the Frying Pan
All is not well but it looks like it might be getting there - eventually. *g*
Author's reply
Eventually...! Still have to get through Tolly's memories of letting the ruffians go free. Plugging right along.
Larner · 27 March 2007 · Chapter 15: Out of the Frying Pan
So glad they've found him at last, and it looks as if the farmer might just get that bag of gold after all, as well as a new plow.
Author's reply
Hurrah for the farmer! He deserves a reward, having waded into freezing water, a very unnatural thing to have to do.
Larner · 27 March 2007 · Chapter 14: Better Safe than Sorry
Wise Anemone, and wise Tolly for playing along. Now, for Pippin and his folk to find Tolly.
Author's reply
Half-truth, with just enough truth to keep the oafs from getting suspicious, I hope...
Dreamflower · 27 March 2007 · Chapter 15: Out of the Frying Pan
Oh I'm so glad Pippin's found him! And just in time, too, if the others are starting to show symptoms! At last! But more flashbacks soon, I guess?
Author's reply
Well... maybe. Still trying to wrestle the scenes into the right order. It's possible the flashbacks will resume in the next chapter, or hold off for a few chapters. (Might even have to confer with another plotter to consider the right course. Having trouble deciding which is the most effective course.)
harrowcat · 26 March 2007 · Chapter 14: Better Safe than Sorry
Great Lindelea - I am loving how you warp reality into confusion.
Author's reply
Thanks! Warping along... hope the Muse will consent to finish this one, and others. Appreciate the encouragement!
Bodkin · 24 March 2007 · Chapter 14: Better Safe than Sorry
Anemone is doing her best to help Tolly - and clearly her affections lie with him rather than the ruffians, but she's afraid for herself and for her family. And frightened and desperate people don't always make the best decisions. Although that cuts both ways - Tolly is afraid for Ferdi and the Tookland. I see the trackers are using their imaginations to stretch out the evidence on the grounds. Not that it matters whether they think Tolly is the rescued or the rescuer provided they read which way they went. I'm sure Aster will be glad to have the cavalry arrive to support the poor sick hobbit. (Especially as they will doubtless be going down with the fever next!)
Author's reply
*snork* (sudden vision of twenty hobbits all bedded down on the farmer's floor, out of their heads with fever) And when you throw little kids into the mix who knows what might happen?
Dreamflower · 22 March 2007 · Chapter 14: Better Safe than Sorry
I just wanted to yell at the hunters when they were making all their wild guesses about Tolly! *sigh* Honestly--they need Strider, he'd have read the clues correctly! *stoopid Ban* And poor flashback!Tolly, caught by the Ruffians, and Annie risking her own life to save him...I'm somewhat worried about those "holes" they want him to dig. Good to see you posting again dear! I'll be out of town for a few days, but maybe there might be more when I get back. *crosses fingers*
Author's reply
Hope you have a good weekend, and thanks for the encouragement! I hope there might be more, too. The Muse is fickle at best, and has been entirely absent for months, but it is nice that she's poked her nose back in for the time being. Well, Strider is something else again, as a tracker. I think I had one of my characers say he could track a midge across a rocky slope and tell what sort of blood it had sucked up. Ferdi, too, would be handy for tracking, if he were fit. He's not quite as amazing as Strider, of course, but he's amazing for a hobbit. *g* But really, it's not all that easy to read an accurate story from tracks, especially if you are already working from a faulty assumption. There *were* ruffians in the Shire, and they *think* they got them all, but are they *sure*? They were on the right track when they started to suspect Tolly was out of his head, but then they lost the thread again. As to your other comment... you're either a very astute reader (as, in truth, you are), or I'm being entirely too transparent and predictable. *makes sound of dismay* Thanks! Keep thinking good thoughts.
Bodkin · 22 March 2007 · Chapter 13: An Ounce of Prevention
Oh no! Tolly's in the hands of Ruffians - I just hope his disillusioned friends who have been driven into working for the baddies are willing and able to risk themselves to rescue him - before he meets a similar fate to that planned for Ferdi. Regi is a great hobbit - doing his best to stop the greatest idiocies of Paladin Took. But he can't be everywhere and he can't change direct orders. It must be so frustrating for him to know that Paladin is making his own problems worse through pig-headed short-sightedness. And in the now - he's not at all well.
Author's reply
I would hope his friends wouldn't blame him for what the Thain did. It's a good thing for Tolly that they're on the spot, as it were. Paladin's not such an idiot, except when he loses his temper. He really needs a level-headed advisor who can overrule him in such times... but being bullheaded, I'm afraid he's rather difficult to overrule. *sigh* And you're right. He's not at all well. Fever on top of stress--what did they call "stress" in such a time and place as Middle-earth? Such a modern term, I know they must have had another name for it, or perhaps living was challenge enough that people didn't really notice stress. Too much coffee this morning. Youngest up half the night with the misery of chicken pox, and my brain is definitely fuzzy. Anyhow, thanks!
harrowcat · 19 March 2007 · Chapter 13: An Ounce of Prevention
Glad you are back after the dry spell Lindelea - still here and enjoying every word.
Author's reply
Glad to hear it!
Larner · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 13: An Ounce of Prevention
Oh, so wonderful to get another chapter! Poor Tolly, to have such memories, memories of Paladin's intransigence and Regi's sad wisdom running afoul of Pal's orders.... I hope he regains his memories soon. Planning to come down Monday after Easter. Hope to see you then.
Author's reply
Ooo, hope so! (Need to look at calendar to see when Easter is.) Not sure how soon the memories will come back, but will hope along with you that it's soon. It's been so long since I've been able to write, I've nearly forgotten how. Whew.
Dreamflower · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 13: An Ounce of Prevention
Arggghh! I must have hit the back button before I hit the review button! Sorry about that!
Author's reply
So that's what happened! *g* Was very glad to hear from you, no matter what chapter number was at the top of the review. Actually, was afraid everyone would have lost interest over the long interim. Nice to know I'm not talking to myself. (I guess it's not the talking to oneself that's all that fearsome, but the answering back that is to be feared...LOL)
Dreamflower · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 12: From Bad to Worse
Wheee! You're back! ((((hugs)))) Poor Tolly! I had to go back a chapter, and refresh my memory, to make sure of which part of the flashback I was in, LOL! I really love Regi in this. He's playing a very dangerous game, for the sake of the Shire and the Tooks. But I'm guessing he was very relieved when Pippin came home. And poor delirious Tolly!
Author's reply
((((hugs back)))) I wrote ch. 13 rather "blind" without going back and refreshing my memory, so I only hope there aren't any terrible bloopers. I had a "free" hour and ran with it. Poor, delirious Tolly indeed! If I'm remembering right, this is a three- or four-day fever, and he's only on the first day. A good thing, probably, considering the amount of backstory yet to be told. (Just *what* ruffians did he safely escort out of the Shire, past the Kingsmen?) Regi astonished me, in this story, though his actions are simply a logical extension of his putting together the Thain's escort again, after turning over the implications of the sons of the two most powerful hobbits disappearing on the same day, along with the head of the Baggins family and heir to Bilbo's fortune. (And a gardener, but that hardly seems ominous, now, does it? Whew, sure a good thing for Middle Earth that the gardener disappeared too.) He went from there to securing the borders, and putting Ferdi in charge of border security when that hobbit showed a hunter's flair for setting traps. Good fellow, Regi, quite the prop and stay, if that's the right term. Sorry, am babbling. Bronchitis makes me tired and the meds make me goofy. Author Reply: p.s. did that make sense?
Bodkin · 30 October 2006 · Chapter 12: From Bad to Worse
Poor woodcutter's family. What choice to they have now? Survival seems to suggest that they will incline towards the ruffians, even though it will go against the grain. After all, what options has Paladin left them? And poor Toddy - he is likely to be embittered by this dereliction. While as for what is happening now - it's just one darned disaster after another! I doubt there'll be anyone left standing in the Smials soon! (It's no wonder Tolly let men go free. He has seen good men - and bad hobbit decisions.)
Author's reply
Yes, Paladin would have been wiser to bring the woodcutters into the Tookland. Just think, Men loyal to him, to counter those working for Lotho. I bet more ruffians would have been killed, inexpertly cutting down trees, and maybe fewer trees would have been lost due to inefficiency. Yep. Tolly has known good men, and Tookish loyalty is not an easy thing to crush. Thanks!
harrowcat · 28 October 2006 · Chapter 12: From Bad to Worse
From bad to worse or worst indeed! Now is this memory or imagination.? If the former I do hope we get to see a happier ending.
Author's reply
Tolly's fever dreams are all memory-based, and as for the ending... think good thoughts, and hopefully the Muse will get us there.