Kitty
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 6: The Bracegirdle Lawyer
Frodo is overdoing the secrecy a bit, isn't he? I see no true reason not to tell Sam anything. Maybe Sam will even have the same problem some day. His wedding is no true reason.
Being asked about the rightfulness of *his* contracts by his relatives surely hasn't improved Bartolo's mood or his willingness to talk to Frodo. He certainly did his best to be as nasty as possible to him. But in the end, he seems to have developed some, if grudging, respect for him. And it explains why he spoke for Frodo later in the other fic. During the time this story is covering, he probably learned more about Frodo than he had ever wanted to know ... somehow I suppose whoever will be sent by Lord Halladan will explain more to Bartolo than most other hobbits know.
Author's reply
You're truly right about Frodo's poor reasoning in not confiding to Sam--but then he'd rather not discuss it with anyone, given his druthers.
Bartolo Bracegirdle does indeed have his good side; but I suspect there's a long history of resentment he's felt toward Frodo--and then to have him come back from nowhere and get Bag End for nearly nothing as he did must have truly frosted the cake for Bartolo. And the question as to whether or not his contracts might have been tainted was very insulting, you must admit.
Kitty
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
Nice to see Pando again, and I was amused that Frodo knew so well he would be somewhere out there, trying to spy on him.
Ah, finally Boboli has meet Frodo! He was quite a surprise for Frodo, no doubt. Not to mention Teo's new clothes ...
If I’d tried harder to befriend Lotho instead of allowing myself to loath him Now, *that* is complete nonsense, and Frodo should know it. No friendship could have turned Lotho into a honourable hobbit, even less so as his own parents were so nasty.
Frodo was surprisingly open with Boboli and his children. But then, they do probably understand a bit more than the hobbits who never set one foot outside the Shire. Still, one thing has not changed – Frodo is talking most animatedly as long as the topic is Aragorn.
Hm ... Frodo can't count on the service of Brendi in this matter, but has to ask Bartolo? This will be difficult.
Author's reply
I've mentioned Frodo's interactions with Pando in "The King's Commission," but hadn't ever shown them happening. Felt it was time to show that by this time Frodo was well aware of his little spy.
Yes, Bob and Frodo are now acquainted, and each is finding he likes the other. And as Frodo notes, it's obvious the Powers are intent on keeping him reminded of what he is in the outer world. You're right about Lotho, but we do tend to want to believe we MIGHT have changed things somehow if only we'd....
Yes, Aragorn does set his tongue wagging, and he just can't help telling stories.
And yes, having to deal with Bartolo Bracegirdle won't be easy for either of them.
Armariel
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 6: The Bracegirdle Lawyer
Eek, Bartolo is a nasty one...has a little good streak in him though. Maybe it will crowd out the nasty eventually!
Author's reply
There's a good deal more to Bartolo Bracegirdle than his outward seeming, as you'll find; but he's resented Frodo for a very long time, and it will take a good deal to put that resentment to rest.
Lúmë
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 6: The Bracegirdle Lawyer
Rhyming review #2:
What a strange yet logical contrast
Between concern and hate
When finally he learns of Frodo's fate
I hope Bartolo will understand at last
(I figure I might as well be a bit creative in my reviews ;-) And of course I wouldn't bother if I didn't like the story a lot!)
Author's reply
Again, I am very honored.
Barti and Frodo are going to have a bit of a voyage of mutual discovery, although by necessity it will be Bartolo who learns more in the end.
Thanks so much for the smiles given!
Lúmë
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
Rhyming review #1:
I knew Frodo would to them be nice
He gave them pie and apple slice
But shame, to think a little dog might
give poor Frodo such a fright!
(This is harder than I thought it'd be :-))
Author's reply
This is wonderful! I'm honored indeed. Yes, making certain things scan properly is difficult, which is why I've never done much poetry and why I so love Tolkien's.
Poor Frodo, having to overcome his fear of dogs; but at least Lister is a small one, and he's able to recognize the ratter didn't intend to be aggressive.
Bodkin
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 6: The Bracegirdle Lawyer
Well - Bartolo is learning more than he might otherwise have done. Only he's sworn to secrecy! Although that might actually mean it makes more impression on a Bracegirdle.
Delphinium seems happy enough with him, though - so maybe his sour outside conceals a sweet core.
Author's reply
You'll find out more of what Delphie thinks and knows of her Bracegirdle husband and inlaws starting with the next chapter. And Bartolo will end up knowing far more than he ever wanted to before the end.
Linda Hoyland
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 6: The Bracegirdle Lawyer
Lovely to see the Shire blooming again after the devastation.
Author's reply
Yes--and both vegetation and Hobbits are beginning to bloom now that the famous 1420 is well underway. Thanks for the review.
SurgicalSteel
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 6: The Bracegirdle Lawyer
Another good chapter - I actually *like* the fact that Bartolo doesn't immediately decide he likes Frodo. His resentments are still there, which makes it feel much more realistic. Frodo's insistence on secrecy also makes perfect sense - goodness knows he'd have had enough of folks spreading rumors about him and about his beloved 'uncle' Bilbo in his younger days.
Author's reply
Thank you--that you, too, find that Bartolo's continued resentments are barely scratched as yet realistic is heartening.
And Frodo's nature is very private. Learning what rumors had driven his beloved mother out of Hobbiton must have been terribly painful for him.
harrowcat
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 6: The Bracegirdle Lawyer
Another intriguing chapter Larner. Got to go to work so just time to say that I liked Frodo's careful thanks to the groom and the maid! And the rest of the chapter of course.
Author's reply
Yes, the groom and maid actually made him feel welcome, unlike the master and mistress of the home. And hope your day was fruitful. Must get ready soon enough to go to work myself. Night jobs can be difficult, I find.
Claudia
· 6 October 2006
· Chapter 6: The Bracegirdle Lawyer
THis is really an interesting premise. I love how deeply you plunge into any story that you write, so full of rich detail.
Author's reply
Thank you, Claudia. How I managed to be trying to keep two stories going at the same time I'm not certain--I hope they don't detract from one another.
And thank you again for your compliments. I try to give enough detail to make it more fulfilling but not dragging. Nice to hear you appreciate it.
SurgicalSteel
· 6 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
Well, that's quite a pickle you've put Frodo in, and no mistake! It'll be interesting to see how he handles the legal issues.
Author's reply
Frodo will see the legal issues met, although it will stress both him and the lawyer. But it's fun to see how different folk would react to the situation. One Hobbit lawyer is going to have a very mind-broadening experience soon.
Andrea
· 6 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
But, then, the Hobbits inside the Shire were strange folk compared to those of the Breelands--everyone knew that. Maybe only folks as was a bit cracked would be considered as Mayor.
LOL!!! Now that train of thoughts could also have come from Pippin. Fantastic;-)
That was a long chapter with a load of new information to ponder!
As some reviewers have already remarked, Frodo seems to reveal far more of his journey to Bob than he did to other hobbits much closer to him. Bob and his family are strangers, and unlike the inhabitants of the Shire they did not know Frodo before he left and thus they will not or can not see all the changes in him after his return. Or so he thinks!
Bob examined what he could see of his host. "That may be," he said slowly and shrewdly, "but it can’t be denied as ye ain’t quite as ye was afore, I’ll be bound, and I’ll wager as it goes far deeper’n just your finger bein’ gone."
And Bob proves him wrong!
Poor Frodo! He wanted to forget all about the quest, to be a plain hobbit again. But this particular day he has no chance at all.
P.S.: I was anticipating the scene when Frodo and Teo meet and Teo wears that fine clothing. Wonderfully done. Thank you!
Author's reply
Hobbits do tend to use whatever logic comes to mind, I suspect; so it was fun to figure out how Bob might react to the idea that Frodo was indeed cracked.
Often it's easier to confess things to those who don't have an emotional investment in the person, and so Frodo is able to open up a bit more to these than he can with family--but that's not uncommon. And you're right--Bob does prove Frodo wrong in perceiving that the changes aren't just superficial.
The quest isn't anything anyone can just put behind them, a fact he'll keep fighting until he leaves the Shire.
And so glad you liked the confrontation with Thranduil's gift.
Endaewen
· 6 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
An interesting set of problems Frodo has there. Hopefully you are going to solve them soon for him.
Author's reply
Yes, a set of problems indeed that will in the end be sorted out, but not without difficulty and some confrontations.
Antane
· 6 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
"He worries for me, Pando. He worries for me, having seen what evil can do." He looked away. "He’d do better, perhaps, to worry for what I might do myself," he whispered so softly Pando had to strain to hear him. "Certainly I’ve heard the urgings of Morgoth spoken in my own heart often enough--It saw to that."
It should be all done and over with. The rape of Frodo should have stopped at the time the Ring was destroyed, but it goes on and on and nothing can stop it until he leaves. I realize this is the way such violations go on long after the actual crime is over, but the poor dear so suffer so much, to achieve so much too and not to think he's worthwhile.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
At least now most of the time Frodo recognizes the urgings as being from outside himself; but once that channel has been opened it tends to remain so indefinitely. In order to close it off at last he must go where Morgoth's voice can be easily identified and ignored and the channel either properly buffered or closed down. As long as he remains in Middle Earth Frodo Baggins has one open wound kept irritated by the fact the likes of Morgoth don't easily learn to shut up. Now it is more Morgoth than the Ring, at least.
French Pony
· 6 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
An intriguing chapter. It seems that the office of Mayor includes far more actual work than Tolkien indicated -- at least, I'd always got the impression that the Mayor's function was largely ceremonial. Of course, what with the Shire recovering from its troubles, it's likely that the office of Mayor has expanded to fill the work available.
Frodo has lost none of his penchant for speechifying, I see. The Hedges seem like a nice family. They understand that Frodo seems to need someone just to sit and listen to his adventures. Turns out to be for the best that Faradir sent them to Hobbiton after all.
Author's reply
Tolkien indicated the Mayor oversees the Shiriffs, possibly the Quick Post, and officiates at banquets. But as I've stated in author's notes to previous chapters the probability is that he also helps oversee the registration and filing of documents and possibly the activities of the Shire's lawyers as well, as the Shire is shown as a legalistic society requiring seven signatures in red ink on many legal documents. And so I played a bit with what kinds of responsibilities that might entail in "The Choice of Healing" and have continued on with it in other stories as well, particularly "Stricken from the Book" in Moment in Time and "The Acceptable Sacrifice" in the second half of the work.
But imagine if the Mayor has been imprisoned for several months, and the complications of trying to see to it documents that had stacked up are properly reviewed, registered, and filed; much less with the problems of sorting out the bogus claims for reparations and trying to piece together how Lotho ending up owning almost all the inns and mills in the Shire. As deputy Mayor in my view of things Frodo had his hands full.
harrowcat
· 6 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
Aha, so they are both in the same place at the same time, at last! Although, it doesn't look like good timing for Frodo initially.
He seems to be much more open with the youngsters and with someone from outside the Shire than he does with those close to him or with the Shire inhabitants. Some hope of finding less resistant minds and one with a wider world view perhaps?
I liked the kitchen take over! And the rest of the chapter too. Now who is going to sort that contract!
Haven't been able to go home today - which has disappointed Mum and Dad as it was my birthday last Wednesday! My friend's mum has had a mini=stroke.She is home again but Anna needed me to sit with her last night while she went to an unavoidable meeting and again today while she arranges with work to do some at home. Difficult being needed in two places at once and I suspect that I have ruined some plan at home although Dad will never say so!
Author's reply
Yes, they've finally met. Frodo's taken aback, but his native courtesy and hospitality will help him overcome that. And it often is easier to explain things to those who aren't felt to have emotional investments in the situation, something most who've known Frodo will have, as he has an emotional investment in trying first to appear normal and second to try to protect them from the horrors he's experienced. And, as Bob and his family have experienced horrors in the war OUT THERE, it's easier to believe he will understand better than the more protected folk here at home.
As for who's going to write the contract--he has a choice of three, one of whom is now in the Lockholes himself and another under suspicion of illegalities and conspiracy. That doesn't leave a lot of choice.
My late husband had a series of TIAs in his last few years, so know how much they can knock one for a loop. Am praying she doesn't have more soon.
eiluj
· 5 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
Poor Frodo! It's not the afternoon he'd expected.
I'm looking forward to finding out the details of the rental agreement. And of course all the garden items Bob takes back to Holdfast. Since Sam's not home at the moment, I imagine Bob and co. will have to wait in Hobbiton a bit longer. What a pity! ;-)
I liked the idea of Estella knitting and knitting until she finally learned to cast off!
In this chapter you mention Ponto's daughter Angelica Baggins having gone to live in the South Farthing. Previously, however, she had married Sancho Proudfoot, so she should be a bit closer to Bag End! [cf. ch. 36 of "The King's Commission."] Or am I confused?
Author's reply
No, not quite what he'd had planned for the day at all. And finding someone capable of writing the agreement is going to be tricky. Bob and his family will have one more jaunt to make before they leave, but at least this time they'll not worry about whether or not they'll find their Hobbit.
Had a friend whose first scarf seemed to go on forever, and so I had to write a small tribute to her into this one.
When I wrote "The King's Commission" I didn't bother checking the family trees regarding the ages of either Sancho or Angelica, much less their specific family trees. One person wrote a note indicating that Sancho was the age of Pippin, which means he, too, was only eleven at the time of the Party, so having a seventeen-year-old son wasn't workable. And so details had to be rearranged.
When I was checking the family trees at a later date I realized that the Angelica Uncle Bilbo left the convex mirror to was Ponto's daughter, who was older than Frodo. So, as I'd not indicated Sancho's wife Angelica was specifically anyone's daughter, I'm postulating now she is one of the Bagginses whose family hasn't lived in Hobbiton for a while (much as Fosco and Forsythia were born in Westhall), and is roughly of an age with Sancho. I hope you don't mind. THIS Angelica is Ponto's daughter.
Dreamflower
· 5 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
Well, the wait is over, and they finally meet! A very long and satisfying chapter!
I notice that Frodo is being more forthcoming with Boboli than is his usual wont. Perhaps because this is a stranger, and living outside the Shire, he doesn't feel the constraints he does when he is speaking to those who are closer.
I like the interaction of the children. It looks as though they've found a good friend in Pando! I hope that the Hedges don't leave right away. And I hope that Frodo gets to know little Lister well enough to feel comfortable with him.
I'm surprised Brendilac is not qualified to do the agreements. He'd be ideal. But this is fairly early after Frodo's return, so I suppose he does not yet have the contacts.
I look forward to the reactions of Sam, Merry and Pippin to this development.
Author's reply
Yes, at last the Hedges finally catch up with Lord Iorhael, and find him a rather diffident bachelor who lives in a very nice place and who's quite nice, if a bit wary of dogs. And they're getting the idea that what Frodo did was far more than he's willing to tell, although he does tell them more than he does a number of those closer to him. But that's often easier to do with folk one doesn't know well, and it may be one of those times when he needs to tell.
Who will find out and how is yet to be explored. Now Frodo's going to be enlisting his lawyer, which will be rather difficult on both sides.
Radbooks
· 5 October 2006
· Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
Oh, poor Bob and his family are missing Frodo coming and going! But, they are getting a good look at the Shire which is a very good thing for the hobbits from the Bree-lands. :) They are also learning a lot about 'Lord Iorhael' even if they don't know that he and Frodo are one and the same!
Anxious to read the next chapter and hope to have time to read the latest chapter of your other story this weekend. :)
Author's reply
Yes, they are getting an education in the geography of the central Shire, at least, as well as a good deal of contradictory information. Hope to have the other story updated today or tomorrow, at least.
Bodkin
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
All that missing each other! Very frustrating at the end of a long journey.
Author's reply
Yes, frustrating, but it will be rewarding in the end.
Tigger
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
Poor Bob and the children. They are having quite the time trying to find Frodo, aren't they? Hopefully, it won't be long now.
Thanks for the prayers Larner. Everything went better than planned. I'm amazed by how well I'm doing compared to my only other knee scope. Only need the crutches now if I need them and I could put weight on my leg even w/using them, but...I really am amazed at how well I'm doing almost a week out. Only need the panikillers at night now, so that's a good thing. Only thing now is the incisions are starting to get itchy. While I know it's a good sign, it's still driving me nuts knowing I can't scratch!! ;o)
Anyway...I am really enjoying this story and looking forward to seeing where you take it next. :oD
Author's reply
Yes, they're getting quite a tour of the central Shire, aren't they? But they find him in today's installment.
So very glad the surgery went well. The Kid's had his knees worked on more than once as well. Once they're damaged it seems they are so much more vulnerable. Still praying for you.
As for where the story goes next--you may be surprised.
Kitty
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
Well, Amanda's opinion of the title 'Lord' for Sam was only to be expected, but the one about Frodo was truly a laugh - for me. If she only knew ...
"It seems as though all these folks seem to think in two minds of Mr. Baggins, Dad--him’s strange, but him’s thoughtful at the same time." There Lilia is right - they're getting some very mixed up opinions of Frodo, don't they?
You're leading poor Boboli quite a merry chase after Frodo. But as everyone of the travellers seems on his way to Bag End I hope in the end he will get to know all of them. Could be interesting, I think, to have a hobbit from outside the Shire learning a bit about all that happened, as they may not be as limited in their interests, experiences and opinions as the Shire-hobbits. They're living with big folk, after all.
Author's reply
Yes, it's proving difficult to find Lord Iorhael or Frodo Baggins, much less to understand all the conflicting information. If indeed Mistress Grubb understood just how wrong her reasoning is.
And Bob and his family will eventually meet the rest of the Travellers, but not quite yet....
harrowcat
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
I bet this family is really sick of living a roaming life from the back of a wagon and had hoped that finding such a nice place for a smial had put an end to it. NNow they are exploring again, all around the Shire!
It is great that even they are adding to the confusion about the Travvellers for Shire folk. Would Miss Dora Baggins have anything to say about the niceties of sharing food with travellers met be chance on the road? *g*
Lilia very aptly sums up the Shire though on Frodo. Even stanger than he ever was but responsible and a true gentlehobbit! Only scratching the surface.
I love the question about the Pincup Hedges! Genealogy again but also an attempt to order and classify and pidgeon-hole strangers.
All in all a fun chapter, if frustrating for Bob
So, back to Hobbiton.
Author's reply
Yes, Lilia has the situation definitely pegged. And glad you caught the tendency to tie the newcomer to known family ties.
It's hard to say what Miss Dora would have said, I think; but she did advocate being KIND, after all. That fits here for Mistress Amanda, I think.
And I do think they are getting tired of the trek, but will be more hopeful soon.
Armariel
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
Who was it said to be great is to be misunderstood? (So there's hope for me after all, hahah) heheh @ Lobelia getting a purple backside....
Still looking forward to the meeting!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Yes, that's true, Armariel. And I, too, find the idea of Lobelia with a purple stripe on her rear a humorous idea. As if she didn't deserve it!
Poor Boboli and his family are having to process an awful lot of contradictory information about the mysterious Mr Baggins. Can't wait for them to catch up with him so they can start to form their own opinion.
Author's reply
Yes, contradictory it is. But they'll find him eventually.