Remembering Anew by Pearl Took
shirebound · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 10: At the Hole in Twombly Woods
Friends are stronger than magic. Love is stronger than magic. It wasn’t magic that destroyed the Ring. Oh Pearl, how lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, shirebound :-) I'm glad that touched you!
PIppinfan1988 · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 10: At the Hole in Twombly Woods
It was a bit jarring to Clary who occational saw a bucket and mop, a dust cloth or a broom go floating by as Pippin didn’t bother to stay visible as he worked. ROTFL!!! Oh, my gosh, that imagery had me laughing! Marrin and Clary's tenderness at the supper table was lovely. Then when Pippin said, "Even when they will be taken from each other..." That made me a bit nervous, but I'm really looking forward to more! PF
Author's reply
I'm glad I could bring you a laugh, m'dear Pippinfan :-) They will need their love and tenderness as things will get rough ahead. Thank you for looking forward to more :-)
mews1945 · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 10: At the Hole in Twombly Woods
this is a fascinating story, unlike any I've read before. I'm very eager to know what's going to happen next.
Author's reply
Thank you, mews :-) That is so fantastic to hear! I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Dreamflower · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 10: At the Hole in Twombly Woods
Now how did I miss this? Wow, I love them appearing to the lads' parents like that. And they made some excellent points, they really did. I like the idea that perhaps they've realized now why the other members of the Fellowship did certain things--after all, it might have been quicker simply to carry the hobbits, instead of letting them stumble along up Caradhras or jump across chasms on their own. And I hope that Marrin and Clary will be all right in their little hole!
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower :-) I figured Marrin and Clary deserved to meet the beings who got their sons involved in all of this. It is always a hard thing to have to go our own way, make our own mistakes, or live with the results of our own decisions.
PIppinfan1988 · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 9: Drawing Lines in the Dust
Yeay! I'm finally here - and boy was it worth the wait! This was yet another excellently written chapter. :-) Ooooh! This is getting interesting for Mac, too! I'd like nothing better than to see him take down that witless Wormtongue of a secretary the Master keeps on the payroll. That Tollo isn't any better. So...here is where that prologue enters the tale...! I knew we'd eventually come back to that, and I'm very eager to see how this all starts the ball rolling. :-) PF
Author's reply
I've been waiting for you :-) The ball will be rolling indeed. The secretaries are a bad bunch, but they'll get their just desserts in the end . . . or sooner ;-) Thank you so much for staying with me and for responding :-D
Grey Wonderer · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 9: Drawing Lines in the Dust
Looks as if Mac is about to get himself into the middle of this trouble. The two groups are almost political parties in this, the seekers and the shirests. Looks like a real fight is about to begin. I wonder how the ghosts will be able to help or if they actually can do more than merely support and guide? Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
It is on it's way to a showdown (a strictly American expression ;-) ) The Ghosts definitely play a part, although I don't know the extent of it myself yet. Thank you so much, GW for staying with me on this story!! :-)
Cuthalion · 26 February 2007 · Chapter 9: Drawing Lines in the Dust
Oh dear - if Merry and Pippn wouldn't make those splendid appearances as ghosts, they would most certainly be stirring in their graves by now. The Master of Buckland a pompous idiot, dangling like a puppet on the strings of his secretary, and the Thain half deaf and more than half senile...! Thank God Mac has a working head on his shoulders, and there are still "Seekers" in the Shire! Cúthalion
Author's reply
They would be rolling in their graves indeed! Things have become quite a mess. Thank you so much for reading and responding, Cuthalion! I really appreciate it :-)
Andrea · 25 February 2007 · Chapter 9: Drawing Lines in the Dust
This story gets more and more intriguing with each chapter! Wow! The "Shirests" and the "Seekers" - wonderful depiction of those two different groups. It's been a long time since the Master and the Thain were in charge of what happened in their land. At least the Master's son is on the right path, whereas his father is a hopeless case! And the Thain? Well, that poor hobbit is far too old ;-) So, I'm counting on Macidoc to help change things, and his mother with those rare green eyes, not to mention two very nice ghosts!
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea! The Ghosts will return, rest assured. Things in the Shire a more a mess than most Hobbits realize, but the winds of change have started to blow :-)
Larner · 25 February 2007 · Chapter 9: Drawing Lines in the Dust
It sounds as if a certain fairy we know has made certain Macidoc is raised properly, and as if he is indeed about ready to deal with at least one of the troublemakers. And love the "Shirests" and the "Seekers." How very typical! Bless Other and Jebbin and their wives and Macidoc and the good sense of all, not to mention a certain fairy who, behind the scenes, is involving the Valar and the Creator to see to it Merry and Pippin are involved in setting their own reputations straight! As for Macimas--well!
Author's reply
Yes, Macimas is rather a mess. The office of Master of Buckland is a mess as is the Thainship. We'll have to see if those get tidied up :-) As with most of time's turning points, there are those who've set the stage for the drama to be played out. Thank you so much, Larner :-)
shirebound · 25 February 2007 · Chapter 9: Drawing Lines in the Dust
The Shire is so stirred up! I can see why the complacent, keep-things-as-they've-always-been folks are so outraged. It's fascinating to see all the camps of opinion -- those who believe, those who want to believe, those who don't care, and those who have something to gain from squashing these 'silly rumors'.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, dear mentor :-) I've the feeling the Hobbits haven't been this stirred up in a long time ;-) Thank you for reading this!
Bodkin · 21 February 2007 · Chapter 8: Provoking Ire
Oooh! What a nasty pair! Longo Caskbury and Tollo Grittison - the powers behind the thrones. And they set up a really unpleasant meeting - I wonder if the Travellers expected such venom when they decided on a quest for the truth? I hope not - not unless they know that Jebbin and Other will win through in the end. I'm only relieved to hear that there is a counter reformation. There needs to be!
Author's reply
Thank you for keeping up with this, Bodkin :-) They know things will end well (I like nice endings) :-) I'm glad too that there are those who are happy to learn there's a different version of Shire history. Glad you're enjoying this :-)
Cuthalion · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 8: Provoking Ire
Do I understand correctly that there are actually hobbits who know the truth - and prefer to tell the familiar lies? Good gracious. And that remark about the "spineless descendants" of Sam makes me both angry and sad. Poor Jebbin - he could need Bilbo's sword to cut through this special spiderweb! Marvelous story! Cúthalion
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Cuthalion :-) If you are referring to Tollo and Longo, yes. They know the true story, or at least know the accepted version is erroneous. They have their reasons as well. Not nice reasons, but they do have reasons.
Larner · 19 February 2007 · Chapter 8: Provoking Ire
Sooo, the two cousinly, rascally secretaries have set hecklers in place BEFORE the speeches in order to make certain the meetings are disrupted; but the friends are already countering them with the truly inquiring heads. I still wish to understand what these two cousins and their progenitors have gained out of convincing people to believe an attractive yet unrealistic lie. Obviously they see themselves as the true rulers of the Shire, and feel knowledge of the true story will help topple them. Are they descended from Ted Sandyman or Lotho's folks or something?
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Larner :-) They a both nasty, that's for sure. This is one thing that will definitely be explained so hang in there. I have to save some stuff for later ;-)
Grey Wonderer · 19 February 2007 · Chapter 8: Provoking Ire
Way to go, Jebbin! Seems as if he is more than determined on this. He is going to need all of his strength but I think he has the nerve to continue. It also sounds as if he will have a bit of support and help at least.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, GW! He's a fighter, that lad :-) Yes, he had friends, just like the Travellers did. Glad you're hanging in there with me!
PIppinfan1988 · 19 February 2007 · Chapter 8: Provoking Ire
Whew!! That was close! This was excellent - talk about being in the moment, lol. I felt the tension in the air, the cutting words of disbelief choreographed by Longo and Tollo. I don't like those two - they're evil! I watched in horror as rotten food was thrown at poor Jebbin, then quickly escorted and tossed into the carriage by his friends. Pressed down, but not beaten; a wee bit shaken, but not discouraged in the least! I like Jebbin. :-) He's got a fire in his bones that's just waiting for the right moment to ignite in front of the public. And I can't wait for that moment! :-) But it only gets worse before it gets better, right? :-/ Thanks for another great chapter! :-) Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Pippinfan :-) Those two are bad news, that's for sure. And there is a story waiting to be told about them. Jebbin is a gem. Merry is so proud of him. Yes, there is some more bad stuff waiting in the wings. Thank you so much for sticking with me!
Dreamflower · 19 February 2007 · Chapter 8: Provoking Ire
Oh the plot is gathering momentum like a snowball rolling downhill! But I have a feeling that the Goodbodies and some other like-minded hobbits will have some surprises for the likes of Caskbury and Grittison. I have a feeling I am going to like seeing what Daisy has in mind. And hopefully we'll soon get to see more of the illustrious Ancestors doing their ghostly thing...
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower! We'll get some of that I think but I'm not sure how much ;-) I'm beginning to fear this is going too long as my number of hits has dropped. Perhaps it's because the Ghosts haven't shown up in a while. Only trouble is, I don't know when they are going to put in another appearance. They aren't in the chapter I just finished and I don't know yet if they'll be in the next. I know they'll be back, I just don't know when. I hope you and everyone will hang in there with me.
Daynawayna · 19 February 2007 · Chapter 8: Provoking Ire
Holy cow Pearl! What a tangled web you've woven here! I must admit, the "not everyone knows there a spy" chapter had me a bit confused about the 'spy' part, but now... WOW. This is getting better and better with each chapter! Wives as fish out of water indeed! GO JEBBIN!! :D And I'm very, VERY curious as to why SOME HOBBITS know the Truth and are hiding it... what does your muse have planned? I'm so excited to read more!!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Daynawayna :-) Not so much that they already know the Truth, but that they are recognizing it when they hear/read it. I thought the lasses needed a turn to be left gaping - everyone else has ;-) I'm hoping I can keep track of my web, I've already had to check back and correct some errors I made in recent chapters because I forgot some stuff :-O (Now *I'm* gaping!)
Andrea · 19 February 2007 · Chapter 8: Provoking Ire
I'd say that at least one of the listeners had been bribed before! And then it went as it always does: one starts to shout and the others follow suit! Poor Jebbin! But he is not yet defeated - no, he's just started to warm up! I like how Shirebound compared his reaction to that of Merry on the Pelennor. She's absolutely right. I wonder what will happen at Isenbras' farm. Tollo seems to have his spies there.
Author's reply
Hi Andrea and thank you. Jebbin is a good brave hobbit with a loyal brother and friend. I think he'll be fine ;-)
shirebound · 19 February 2007 · Chapter 8: Provoking Ire
Jebbin's courage is inspiring. It reminds me of Merry on the Pelennor, where Tolkien wrote about how the slow-kindled courage of his race suddenly blazed forth.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, m'dear shirebound :-) Yes, he has the deep rooted courage of his ancestor.
Larner · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 7: Finding Friends
Alas that even the Fairbairns need to be educated. Alas indeed, but a blessing they WANT to be educated. Lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you :-) Yes, that is going to be a blessing all 'round, that there are those who care and want to hear the other side. Thank you for reading and responding, Larner :-)
Larner · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 6: Behind the Scenes
Hmm. Two secretaries don't want the truth to be known, that the Travellers were merely Hobbits of the Shire who, placed in extraordinary circumstances, rose to them marvelously and went beyond them? I wait to find out why it's important to them to make Merry and Pippin so much larger than life when the real ones were already that, but in a more believable way. Ducky? Ooh--makes my teeth cringe.
Author's reply
They do have their reasons. It is part of the story that my muse finally deigned to let me in on. I agree on the "Ducky", it affects me the same way! Thank you, Larner :-)
Grey Wonderer · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 7: Finding Friends
(Jebbin turned his head toward Merry. “I thought he was known for being cheerful,” he moaned.) Laughed out loud at this line and frightened the cats! hehehe That was so cute. Just the very sort of line I love. It sneaks up on you and pokes you in the ribs at just the most serious of moments in the story. Bravo! So now the pot is starting to boil. I wonder if everyone is ready for the results? I am very glad that I saved this for tonight as I needed something to lift my mood. Thank you! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
My dear GW, I'm always glad when I can lift your mood :-) You are so welcome! And I'm glad you liked that line. I don't know if they are ready or not, but I know they won't go through it alone.
Grey Wonderer · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 6: Behind the Scenes
(Some spies don’t realize they are spies.) Oh now that is so very true! I have worked with people who had no idea that the higher-ups were using them in that way. So true to life or at least life in the work-place these days. Your down-on-his-luck Bolger interests me. I wonder if he turns up again or was that his entire part in this? For some reason he was so well-fleshed out that I got attached to him right off. I know he's not one of the nicer Hobbits in this story and that he might be more at home having drinks with Ted Sandyman were he still around, but there was just something about him.
Author's reply
Thank you, GW! This is a fascinating response. Very interesting that you found Mr. Bolger so "well-fleshed out". I don't know if he'll be back or not, but I'm glad you found him interesting. I'm also glad you liked that line, it's one of my favs in this chapter!
PIppinfan1988 · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 7: Finding Friends
Yep; the grim reality had started to set in, I see. Jebbin is a good hobbit with a good head on his shoulders - I'm glad that he didn't allow the despair to overrun him. Macimac seemed to be a nice chap in previous chapters; I'm hoping he hasn't turned into one of those spies spoken of in the last one. Excellent work, dear friend! I'm still loving it! PF
Author's reply
Aw, thank you PF! I figure they had to have some allies who weren't see-through ;-) I'm glad you're still loving it!
PIppinfan1988 · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 6: Behind the Scenes
It apppears that word about the book is spreading like wildflowers...and I could say something else, but I'll keep it clean. :-P This chapter was a nice set up for more ominous things (I'm sure!) to come. On to the next chapter. PF
Author's reply
Thank you for reading, dear PF :-) Your are very insightful ;-)