Reviews (346)

Author's reply

Still going on only partial information, Barti is. And he has a lot to learn about what Frodo truly did, or who the mysterious "he" is that Frodo speaks of. I, too, suspect that Sam has some idea as to what went on between Frodo and Bartolo, particularly once he saw Frodo's face and put that together with the demand Frodo explain things to Persivo if he was brave enough. As for Pippin--he's already realized Barti's made Frodo very upset on a day when his head is aching abominably--had he heard Barti's demand he's likely have pulled out Trolls Bane and applied it to the Bracegirdle's posterior. Heh!

Author's reply

So good to hear from you again! Life has been difficult here, too. Barti's changing his ideas, but he and Frodo are about to have an unfortunate argument, which will increase problems. Ned's scroll is first mentioned in "Stirring Rings," and you know how I love to weave the various stories together. And the tube is Mithril, whose properties are mentioned in "A Matter of Record." And Barti has no idea just where his children MIGHT end up as time progresses. I have an idea that Persi just might make many journeys to Annuminas....

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Yes, definitely a Baggins at heart here. And in learning the history of Middle Earth she finds the last pieces she needs to appreciate what Frodo did and why. And each one who in this past couple of years has found legends springing up out of the grass has felt a bit overwhelmed and yet has managed to come to accept it in the end. And for a Hobbit, to return to the Shire must have felt remarkably reassuring--save for Frodo who commented it felt as if he were falling asleep again. After living on sheer adrenaline for as long as he did, coming home must have felt very--grey.

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As I'm working on "Stirring Rings" concurrently with this story, I've been following history of the Third Age and at times becoming overwhelmed with it. It's been a time since I read "The Silmarillion," and I'm working on CoH now. And I'm CERTAIN Barti's glad to be back in the Shire, just as I always am glad to return home from England when I visit, as eager as I was to go. There's something so comfortable to knowing I'll have my own appliances and can count on the milk being cold rather than tepid and the steaks cooked to my preferences. And Barti will be going back out again, of course--has to get the lease signed and witnessed, of course! Heh!

Author's reply

One English lord once said "The business of Mankind is warfare." Unfortunately, he seems to have it all too right, doesn't he? And I tried to put this into terms that Delphie could put together and find the final answers she wanted and needed from. Thanks for the feedback.

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Unfortunately, all too true, Antane. The deepest scars are far more than skin-deep.

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We ALL do it, Pryderi! Heh! Thanks for the giggle, too. I appreciated it. Author Reply: Okay--check that portion out now. And thanks again.

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Tolkien does indicate that Hobbits are only slightly less soundless than Elves when they walk, and that they consider Men to be hopelessly loud. Just the awareness of the vibrations of the floorboards of the house must have given Delphie pause. Delphie is Baggins (and probably Took as well) enough to want to know "Why?" We've had this war going on, and it's led to all this fuss, to the point this Sharkey and his minions used Lotho to gain a foothold within the Shire and sought to overrun it and subjugate it? Well, who are these folk and what is their interest in bothering us? We're just Hobbits, after all, and don't bother anyone and don't WANT to do so.... I suspect that Bilbo tended to tell the important tales to those of the younger fry who'd stay to listen, and that in this way Frodo, Freddy, Folco, Sam, Merry, and many of the cousins between Frodo's age and Pippin's all had a rudimentary knowledge of the world of Arda they didn't realize was more than just stories about Elves. Frodo, studying directly with Bilbo, had more direct knowledge and awareness these were in fact history; Sam, hearing Bilbo's instruction of Frodo and hearing and reading stories on his own and able to discuss them with Frodo and Bilbo, would also be more prepared than the others to begin putting them into context once he reached Rivendell. (As I indicated in my preface to "For Eyes to See as Can," I've always felt Sam was far, far more intelligent that Tolkien indicated or than Sam believed of himself!) Once he attended the Council of Elrond, for Frodo all this was more than just tales; Strider had clicked into place as THE Dúnedan and the proper heir of Isildur and thus the rightful king of both Kingdoms; Morgoth and Sauron were more than overwhelming villains--they were intended to stand before the Creator himself--and if they are real, then the Creator is real as well.... If Bilbo and Frodo both tended to tell tales at the Free Fair and in the Commons of the villages they visited and the Great Halls of the greater smials they visited, I suspect that Delphie had already heard many tales that at that moment are clicking into place in her own mind, for her, too, no longer merely entertaining stories but part of the great history of the world in which all these folk--Elves, Dwarves, Men, and Hobbits live. And am glad you like the box. And here Persi is, not yet fully a Lawyer of the Shire, yet already qualified to write contracts OUTSIDE the Shire! Yes, a pleasing irony. And it will probably lead to journeys ONE day....

Author's reply

Sorry about this. I sometimes think I may almost have a form of dyslexia, as a word will find its way into my mind in a particular way, and that's how it stays until I'm knocked up alongside the head with the correct spelling; and you will note that although I've been reading "The Lord of the Rings" regularly for close to 44 years now I consistently write "Middle Earth" instead of the more canonical "Middle-earth" because EVERY time I go to write it that's what WILL come out. Don't ask why. And so "Rhudaur" has always been seen in that portion of my brain that holds the name as "Rhuadar." It may take some time to get it all corrected in every story, but--well, what can I say? On West of the Moon it may NEVER get properly corrected. (Grinning apologetically.) I have four editions of ROTK myself--the ACE paperback, the mid-sixties edition, the Redbook slipcased edition of LOTR, and the Alan Lee Tolkien Centenniel edition; first time I read a later edition and realized Tolkien had given Aragorn twenty more years of life than he'd known originally (as well as excising a part of the outburst toward Gimli after the commanding of the Palantir) I was a bit shocked. Then to realize that between the mid-sixties and later editions Aragorn now had THREE portions to his throne name took me even more aback. The second and third ages lasted roughly three thousand years; and so I tend to think of the first lasting roughly the same, even though much of it was before the rising of Sun and Moon and thus is perhaps beyond assigning proper time to. But I will do what I can to correct the final situation. Please forgive me. Barti isn't through yet with his travelling between the Shire, Bree, and the Hedge's farm, and Alvric has a few journeys to make of his own north to Annúminas and Fornost; and Denra does have her unwanted suitors to contend with. And Frodo will eventually meet with most of these. And thanks for the constructive criticism. I do appreciate it.

Author's reply

Yes, Delphie has had the crash course. These aren't just odd magical beings knocking about who've been causing problems for folks, but those intended to assist in the running of Arda itself who've gone wrong; and it took a HOBBIT of all creatures to see to the destruction of Sauron! Pet, Persi, Lyssa, and Barti know the what of what happened, but only Mummy fully appreciates now the WHY of it--but then she is a Baggins by birth. When Frodo sails, I suspect that Delphie will be the only one in the family to truly appreciate what his choice is and why. And Barti is going to have to face Frodo--soon--just as Frodo announces he won't accept proper election as Mayor....

Author's reply

Yes, the Sindarin of the scroll will be described briefly at least, although much of it those who've read "Stirring Rings" will already know in part. And thanks to you, also, for the correction to the War of Wrath. Author Reply: Okay, now check out the relevant section again, Fiondil. Thanks again.

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I don't mind adventures myself for the most part, but haven't had the time nor money for any for too long at this point. And these Shire Hobbits are indeed having their horizons broadened, which both provokes growth and some anxiety as well. Thanks for the comments.

Author's reply

One of the images I always loved was of one character--I think Aquila--in a Rosemary Sutcliff book finding a mosaic on the floor of a room in a ruined Roman-era villa, eventually burying Dog nearby. The idea that perhaps the Hedges might find such a feature in this dig (in more than one sense of the term) they were doing just seemed likely. And, being practical as well as inventive Boboli's going to use every advantage he finds. I'd think that there would be several things found in the digging of this smial; and it would be of interest to both the Hedges and their Ranger friends. Yes Barti is indeed finding the oath vexing at this time, although it also relieves him of having to talk about Frodo when he'd like to ignore him as best he can; but he just can't get away with that with Alvric giving his little prods toward realization that Frodo is actually very responsible and has managed to more than earn that unexpected lordship of his. As for Persi, I keep finding I just simply like him. Sorry about the work taking up so much of your time--I can certainly appreciate that. Have fought some bug this last week myself, and am trying to get caught up.

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The comments on the typical Hobbit view of "adventures" is, of course, based on Bilbo's own original comments on such things from "The Hobbit." I felt they must somehow be typical of Hobbits in general to the point that Barti would repeat them now. The encounter in the marketplace will help the entire family be more aware of the fact that "out there" has always been more dangerous than within the Shire, and help they appreciate both what the Travelers did for the Shire on their return and what the Rangers do for them now. And Petunia definitely has a better appreciation of Frodo's true nature and how it is seen by others. I think what happened to Petunia was more than Barti could take in; he's a bit in shock and just able to appreciate she wasn't hurt, that the former Ranger had an eye on her, and that the ruffians who'd been in the Shire are now in custody and will be taken care of. It will bring home again what Eregiel said about always being on guard and the worst ambush he faced was in the familiar fields of his home village. As for carrots--the carrots these bunnies want have to do with type fonts, I'm finding. It's hard to keep many of them successfully fended off!

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It will take time yet to fully understand just why Bartolo is resentful of Frodo, although it will come out eventually. I know my late husband's white cane could be wielded effectively to swat legs from time to time. And there will be more about the scroll--also eventually.

Author's reply

Oh, it's always good to see a note from you, Tigger. Had they only tried trading one of their trinkets for some supplies these might have gotten away fairly cleanly; but Ternish had to let his inner orc out, didn't he? Certainly my late husband found he could use his white cane for a variety of things; and he even gave an older one to a friend who was a pool player, who used it as a cue for exhibition games. And the folding ones when the cable breaks make lovely wind chimes, we learned. I'd written a chapter in "The Acceptable Sacrifice" in which Frodo realizes both he and Aragorn feel it as Angrapain is branded as a pervert, and the argument between them occured originally there. Frodo is incensed, and Aragorn rather angrily asks if Frodo expects him to let these perverts go unmarked so no one recognizes them and realizes they are dangerous? And he speaks of the years of experience he has that for some there is no redemption because they will not accept it. It's a big thing to accept, that such perversions are not as uncommon among men as they are among hobbits. My own daughter's birth dad was the stuff of nightmares. He's dead now, and I hate to say it but must, in this one case the rest of the world is better off and safer because he is. Her memories when we adopted her were pretty dark. And Barti is shocked to find out how these two ruffians helped imprison his aunt and then at least one of them thought nothing of endangering his daughter. Thanks for the review--with the heat of the summer reviews have suddenly dropped off dramatically.

Author's reply

Yes--one fell, one wasn't too badly tempted, one withstood it until taken by overwhelming force when he was at his weakest, and one only had the chance to be briefly tempted. But Frodo fought as was needed at the time. And you're certainly right about the contrasting reactions and resistances being intriguing! Thanks.

Author's reply

Well, I wrote that scroll into "Stirring Rings," so had to see what it might come to here. Petunia only needed the challenge in order to put the last pieces together, I suspect; and I find I, too, want others to realize what Frodo really did out there. As for sending Barti's family to Gondor--hadn't thought of that as yet, but I can certainly see Pet and Persi and perhaps Lyssa going some day. And more plot bunnies are appearing all over the place again! Aargh!

Author's reply

Oh, I'm so glad you like them. I do like these children, I find. And thanks so much for the feedback.

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It didn't take much of one to help her make the final connections, and you're certainly right about her appreciation of her dad's attitude to Sam being involved. The Scroll, of course, also has ties to Stirring Rings, so a lot of it won't be too much of a surprise to most readers who've followed both.

Author's reply

Yes, she had all the pieces, and only needed the orientation to figure out which side was up, I suspect. This would probably be the earliest extant version of a family book and history, I suspect. And that, once made aware of the scroll by Gandalf the Elves of Rivendell might have given Bilbiolo or his descendants a carrier for it similar to the mithril tube in which Aragorn found the original Shire charter just seemed a possibility. No, Frodo's not likely to read the scroll, but I rather think Fosco and Forsythia will find it interesting.

Author's reply

My 200th review for this story! (In case you were interested.) Yes, Persivo didn't have to tell his sister, for she's definitely smart enough to figure it out for herself. Just not quite a nudge, and she got it. And I, too, am growing increasingly curious about the Scroll of the Baggers! Heh!

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Yes, those stones have stood there for several thousand years and were brought there perhaps during the Dark Years. And they have seen the coming and going of several peoples and nations and powers. Yes, I agree--what tales they might tell! Thanks for the response.

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Barti's not going to allow his youngest daughter to be abused by his eldest daughter; there's a need to give Begonia time to get control of herself. They'll discuss what was found in the next chapter; but right now Barti and Persi are beginning to first appreciate what was done by their own folk, although I suspect Persivo appreciates it better than his father does. I doubt Barti as yet realizes what it all means. I've seen so many standing stones here and there throughout England; and we have our own equivalents of stone circles such as Stonehenge across North America, most of them at much the same latitude as Stonehenge itself, mostly across southern Canada; and as with Stonehenge itself they appear to be a combination of observatory, ritual center, and burial grounds for spiritual leaders. In his one poem Tolkien has Bilbo singing of standing stones and secret gates, indicating that such items were not uncommon within the Shire itself; which is why I have indicated a wall of Mirucar's palace yet stands in the back gardens of Brandy Hall--the history of these places manage to shine through. It's part of why I love visiting Europe and England--seeing history concentrated in one spot. And Barti is definitely right regarding Frodo's unwillingness to let the Shire itself know what's happening.

Author's reply

Strider told the Hobbits he'd seen them taking leave of Bombadil, so I agree--he must have met Tom at some time in his life, either with Gandalf or on his own. And as I've already indicated Aragorn had tried himself against the Barrow-downs it made sense Faradir would be aware of it. The computer analyses done of the relationship of various plinths or triptychs in Stonehenge to the rising and setting of various celestial bodies and even constellations does appear to indicate that among other things the megalithic structure served as an observatory and celestial calendar of sorts; it made sense to me that the stone circle in which the Hobbits had slept had served the same purpose, and even the standing stones that have been used by the Dunedain to serve as boundary markers must have had some similar purpose. Yes, Aunt Dora would be shocked. You've given me a giggle, too, just at that thought. But with his lack of experience with Elves and Half-elven, what is poor Barti going to understand about the difference? I mean, if Elrond is still there after all this time? I agree, Barti. Now they begin to appreciate just what it is that Frodo did--Persi more than his father, at least for now. Poor lad is feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. And now your bedroom is being painted, too? Another disruption! Hope it is now better! And love to the parents and Jet!