harrowcat
· 28 September 2006
· Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
Lister following the wagon is going to leave Holdfast without his little guard dog I fear. I don't like your hints about Orcs and Ruffians though! I sense dark clouds on the horizon. That knife might see some use I think.
I like it that the Rangers have resumed accompanying travellers between Bree and the Shire.
The way that the Shire as a whole has no idea of the important events the Travellers helped in is sad but realistic I think. They deal with what they can see before them. So 'Cousin' Frodo, in particular, returns to being another eccentric Baggins but Merry and Pippin have become slightly larger than life characters and so garner the attention and respect. At least here is another family that will eventually put the pieces together I think.
The clothes are a nice touch Larner - more to come on this I guess. And to mistake Frodo and Sam as Rangers - understandable but funny!
Author's reply
It's always possible there might be use for the two knives, but I suspect that the reports the Rangers are now hearing are simply hypersensitizing all to the possible return of such things. But now that the Rangers have returned they'll resume their usual duties, and a King's Messenger coming from the Gate finding unaccompanied Hobbits on the Road will at least turn about long enough to see them safely within before resuming his rounds.
And I'm glad you see the ignorance of most within the Shire as to what's happened as realistic. The changes to Merry and Pippin are inescapable, with them being now so much taller than anyone else and their obvious familiarity with the weapons and armor they wear and all. They are indeed soldiers returned, while no one has the frame of reference to understand what's so different with Frodo and Sam.
And I do think Frodo will be surprised and somewhat alarmed to see those clothes again!
Linda Hoyland
· 28 September 2006
· Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
It is interesting to look at history through other eyes than those of the main protagonists
Author's reply
The history of Eriador and Arnor has been pretty much a closed book to most of its inhabitants for years--and now it's time to open that book up again, dust it off, and read it for a change! So glad you find this POV interesting.
Linda Hoyland
· 27 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
It is always interesting to speculate what the ordinary Hobbits thought of it all.
Author's reply
Aha! Two reviews for the price of one! And we'll get to see things this time indeed from the point of view of another Hobbit, one who certainly FEELS himself to be ordinary, which, of course, indicates he is anything but. Strong Fallohide strain in this one, I suspect.
Linda Hoyland
· 27 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
I love to imagine how the lands became repoluated after the war.AN interesting insight into what the Hobbits thought of it all.
Author's reply
Eriador at last begins to grow and know fulfillment again, but at what cost? And it's interesting to try to think about the situation from the point of view of a Hobbit who DIDN'T know the four ahead of time or know all the rumors about them.
Bodkin
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
I don't somehow think that foreign-sounding Lord is going to object to Bob as a tenant. The knife is an interesting find - I wonder if there might be more yet to discover. I liked seeing Teregion and Teoro together.
Author's reply
No, I doubt Lord Iorhael is going to offer too many roadblocks to Bob as a tenant on his lands, and so far I'm unaware of what else might remain to be found in the remains of the old farmstead.
And it is interesting examining the contrasts between a youth among Men and a lad among Hobbits. So glad you enjoy it.
Andrea
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Bob found his mind worrying over just what kind of individual this Lord Iorhael might turn out to be.
No need to worry at all. I'm quite sure Lord Iorhael will give him this part of his land to live there with pleasure.
Very interesting start, Larner! I've never thought about that. And it's funny to see that the Oldbucks in fact did the same as Bob.
I wonder if Faradir and Teregion do know the *real* (Hobbit) name of Lord Iorhael. It would have made things much easier for Bob to understand.
It may be even possible that Bob knows the Lord Iorhael already, from a very strange incident at the Prancing Pony sometime ago, under the name of Mr. Underhill ;-)
Author's reply
I suspect there won't be many difficulties from Frodo, once Boboli figures out which of the four Lord Iorhael is, of course. And I like to think the pioneer spirit continues to lie somewhere in Hobbit stock, besides those who later settle in the Westmarches, of course.
I'm certain Faradir does know Frodo's Westron name; but he's a bit of a romantic at heart, and must dress things up, of course. As to whether or not Bob was in the Pony the night Mr. Underhill caused a commotion singing of cows jumping over moons and disappearing as he did--well, that remains to be seen!
Queen Galadriel
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
I'm already fond of this family, and I don't think they have to worry about Lord Iorhael turning them out of their smial. :) I do think the Rangers might have told Bob Frodo's true name, though; surely they know it. How will Bob ever find him now? Not many Hobbits know his Elvish name. Poor Frodo will be surprised at this turn of events. :) I look forward to seeing this meeting!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
So glad you like the Hedges. Poor Faradir should have been a bit more prosaic, but you know how it is with those of a romantic turn of mind, how they sometimes can't be brought to say things plainly. But Frodo will be surprised, definitely.
Anonymous
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Tedicus Dexius Eclectus remarks:
Frodo and Sam as capitalist over lords to whom the homeless squatters
must beg permission for the shot at their dream hole; that sounds
like a situation that might just make a couple of hobbits a little
uncomfortable. I hope you make them squirm Larner!
Just where did the inspiration for this story come from? Could a
little bit of real life combined with a hope to revise history to a
more favorable outcome be involved here?
As you well know one is more likely to get the kind of tennants that
won't vacate without the help of the local constabulary, than the type
like Bob that improve the property.
Perhaps this is the reason that you write fantasy fan fiction?
Keep it up because it's really entertaining!
Author's reply
I'd LOVE to have had tenants similar to the Hedges, you see. Had tenants who did everything they could to destroy the property, inconvenience everyone, run up MY phone bill, put their AOL on MY phone bill, dragged in garbage, mess with the well and well pump and septic system, and steal me blind. So, I find myself trying to imagine the kind of folk I'd LIKE to see renting from me, hoping that if that day ever comes again this is what I'd get.
Glad it's giving you a chuckle, Tedicus.
Radbooks
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
I enjoyed the beginning of this new story. For some reason I had assumed that all of Frodo's lands were in the South, though when I think about it, it makes no sense at all! :) I liked this new Ranger and his compassion towards Bob and his family, though I do wish he was going with him to the Shire. But, I know he has his own duties he must see to. I'm anxious to see how Frodo meets with them... I know he doesn't like the thought of the land that he owns (if I'm remembering right) but he'll have to do something with it now! :)
Author's reply
No, Aragorn granted Frodo lands both in Gondor and Arnor, but had assumed all the properties he was granting Frodo in Arnor were near Annuminas; only this one turned out to have been adjacent to the former capital of Cardolan.
Bob won't be going to the borders of the Shire unaccompanied, you'll find, and Faradir and his son will see them provided for, as well as another old friend.
And Frodo's going to be finding himself hiding more from most of the Shire with the most unexpected of allies.
Baggins Babe
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
What an interesting beginning. I'm sure he will find Lord Iorhael very easy to deal with and Sam will surely supply the starts for the vegetables.
Oh yes, what every guest should take if they dine with hobbits - mushrooms!
Author's reply
Bob is going to have a small puzzle trying to figure out which one is Lord Iorhael, and he's going to get a lot of confusion from those whom he questions along the way. But I'm certain that Frodo will be willing to work with him, although he's not going to want folks in the Shire to know about it.
And Faradir apparently learned well while traveling north alongside four Hobbits what kinds of foods will be best received when visiting with them--heh!
SurgicalSteel
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Interesting - I haven't given a lot of thought yet to those already inhabiting lands that at least nominally would belong to the King of Arnor after that title's re-established. I look forward to seeing more of this - and you've given me something to think about...
Author's reply
If you read "The Acceptable Sacrifice" you'll learn the story of the lands Aragorn himself inherited in Gondor via those properties assigned to his foremother Firiel by her father King Ondoher, and how he reassigned a few of those as well as some estates whose lords had died in the war to Frodo and Sam, along with some of the royally held properties in Arnor as well. After all, this was a commonly followed practice in medieval Europe for those whose contributions to the winning of major battles, who'd offered special assistance to the King, and so on.
I like to consider how economics were handled in the various cultures described in LOTR, you see.
Paladin1420
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Great start, I like this from the begining. As usual you impress me with your attention to everyday details - "Bob straightened up, feeling the hair on his head and feet standing right up." Hobbit foot hair standing up. I don't recall reading anything about that before. Makes perfect sense - I love it.
Author's reply
I know I've had my scalp crawl and have seen the fine hairs on my arms stand up--wouldn't the hair on a Hobbit's feet stand up, too, when said Hobbit is feeling creeped out? And am glad you find my attention to detain satisfying. Thank you!
Armariel
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Hm, so you have an Anemone too! Hope to see a bit more of her.;) Somehow I don't think Bob will have any trouble convincing "Lord Iorhael", what? I look forward to their meeting.
Had a kitten named Thistle once. It's probably been renamed by now, though.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Yes, I have an Anemone as well, although she's nowhere as lovely as yours. And I doubt Bob will have much trouble getting a lease, although he's going to get poor Frodo all hot, bothered, and embarrassed.
I tend to name my cats after book characters, so haven't had a Thistle as yet, although I have plenty of the plants--they're taking over the property, those and nettles. Want some?
Kitty
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Another interesting story plot. It was a rather bad surprise for Boboli to realise the land he believed to belong to nobody in truth belonged to some obscure 'Lord'. Though I am sure he doesn't need to worry about the permission to settle there. He seems to be a nice guy, and Frodo will gladly allow it. And I can see Sam giving him some starts for vegetables, bushes and flowers, as well.
You know, for everyone - and probably particularly hobbits - who had to deal with the ruffians in some way the rangers of Arnor should be a very nice change, as they are so courteous, friendly and respectful as long as one behaves properly. And I am sure Teregion did something to reassure Boboli that the two rangers are not going to be a threat to the hobbits *grin*
Hm ...the rangers seem not to have told Boboli Lord Iorhael's Shire-name. But who save the four Travellers and some handpicked hobbits know *who* Lord Iorhael is? I hope Boboli will not have too much difficulties in finding Frodo.
I look forward to more of this!
Author's reply
Finding out precisely WHICH of the four is Lord Iorhael is going to be somewhat difficult for Bob, and his questions are going to confuse folks, I fear.
And between Faradir, Teregion, and a couple more Rangers they'll meet, one an old fried for those who've read my other books, Boboli and Teo are going to have a wonderful opinion of Rangers by the time the story is done, I think.
Lúmë
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Mmm, I think one can reassure Bob that the Lord Iorhael will be most fair :-) I had to laugh at the Hobbits' reaction to the mushrooms added to their meal! So utterly Hobbit-like :-)
An interesting start to another wonderful tale that will make me cry at least a few times before you're done, I'm sure :-)
Author's reply
Yes, Lord Iorhael will be most fair, once he's identified and he finds someone to help write a lease agreement and all.
And of course, having traveled north alongside Hobbits Faradir has learned both to appreciate mushrooms and to use them to please Hobbit hosts!
Am not yet certain how much this one will make folks cry, perhaps some at the end; but am glad you're enjoying what you've read so far.
harrowcat
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
You do have a knack of introducing us to characters that immediately find places in our hearts and in the Story as if they have always been there. Am looking forward to this meeting greatly. It is lovely to hear how the lands and hobbits fared during this time.
Author's reply
I felt it was time to look at a few of the Hobbits from outside the Shire, after all the ones we've written about who live INSIDE it. And a Hobbit from the Breelands is going to have a completely different view of things, I'd think, than those who've lived inside it.
So glad you appear to enjoy this so far.
French Pony
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Ah, trust Aragorn to send out the idiots among the Northern Rangers to talk to the Hobbits on Frodo's land. One would think that, as the Northern Rangers have been guarding and watching over the Shire for ages, that they'd know how best to deliver their news so it would be understood. And one would be wrong.
Author's reply
Faradir could perhaps have been a bit clearer, but you have to admit Boboli isn't making things easy for him. But just having known Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin isn't going to make all things about Hobbits clear to Men, no matter how much they've hung around Bree or watched the borders of the Shire and the Breelands.
Telpethoron
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
What an interesting tale - I've always wondered about what happened during the Scouring of the Shire...one thing that was left sorely unaddressed in the films. I'm curious as to what Boboli will think when he realizes who "Lord Iorhael" truly is. It should be quite a surprise, I think.
Well done, Larner. I look forward to seeing more of this story. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Boboli and his family won't be forced to leave the land they've begun building their home on.
Author's reply
There are some fascinating stories based on the Scouring of the Shire, I've found; and I've always regretted that part was shorted in the films.
Bob isn't likely to be too knowledgeable about any of the four Travelers, save by the reputations of Master, Thain, and old Mad Baggins. This will be a learning process on both sides, I suspect.
Endaewen
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
A great start to a promising story.
Author's reply
Glad you think so, Endaewen. Hope it continues to entertain and cause thinking.
Tigger
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Something tells me that he won't have any problem w/this Lord Iorhael. :oD Can't wait to see the next part. Sorry I haven't left any reviews for the latest stories here Larner. Things have been hectic and that's an understatement. I leave tomorrow for Toronto and knee surgery on Thursday, so...This was a nice surprise to find and read tonight. Lovely job as always. :o)
Author's reply
I'll be praying for you, Tigger. And I know all too well about hectic, believe me. Hope you've enjoyed what you've read.
Dreamflower
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Now this proves to be a very interesting tale indeed! I already like "Bob", though his younger son seems to be in the throes of adolescence. I'm also curious as to how this little family has Sindarin speakers among them.
And of course I look forward to their encounters with "Lord Iorhael". I am sure Frodo will be very surprised by all this, LOL!
Author's reply
Oh, dear, I didn't make it clear the one who speaks Sindarin is Teregion, the son of the Dunedain Ranger? I'll have to go back and check how I handled that.
And Frodo's most likely going to be VERY surprised and embarrassed, I suspect.