Everlight
· 28 April 2014
· Chapter 13: A Shortcut to Mushrooms
One must have many disguises and schemes when playing this game and trust Ferdi to be prepared.
‘But the shrooms buy us safety, or at least, suspenders,’ Estella said bravely.
Ferdi’s smile broadened in approval. ‘At the very least,’ he said.
Loved the picture you gave. Hope they won't run into any ruffians along the way.
Author's reply
Yes, y'know, Ferdi could be a kind of Scarlet Pimpernel type, at least so far as his deviousness. Never quite thought of it that way before, but as his face is known to the ruffians it would make sense that he'd need to disguise himself when he walks openly outside of the Tookland.
Thanks!
Everlight
· 18 April 2014
· Chapter 12: Progress
Glad this night went better than the last. Ferdi is doing a good job of planning and preparing. It will stand him in good stead in the future.
How terrible to think that the Took's last feast day was probably a memorial feast for Pippin. It must have been a terrible (but wonderful) shock when he came back...alive and whole.
Author's reply
He has practice in moving secretly through the woods, both as a hunter, and on his clandestine visits to his sister, where he didn't want any gossip going back to the Tooks.
I wonder if the Tooks even felt like feasting at Yuletide... Perhaps they held to a form of celebration, but didn't really have their hearts in it.
I wonder what the welcoming feast was like?!
Thanks!
Garnet Took
· 17 April 2014
· Chapter 12: Progress
Once again, an excelent chapter. I'm glad you put some reminders of what season it was in there. I'd forgot that this was a few months after "The Proposition".
The part where Estella is thinking about the feasts at the Great Smials and realizing that the last feast they probably had was the memorial for Pippin. The thought of hobbits not being able to have their feast days is sad enough but the thought that the last one was for sweet Pippin is heartbreaking.
This is a gripping story and I eagerly await your next chapter.
Author's reply
Glad the time clues helped. It'll probably be a little clearer when Proposition reaches this point in time -- the progression of time and season will be easier to see, then.
The thought of a memorial feast for Pippin is awful, you're right.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 17 April 2014
· Chapter 12: Progress
Ferdi is the planningest hobbit! Are you sure he's not got Brandybuck in him?
Poor Estella, she's getting her eyes opened; and I'm sure she's had her fill of this adventure--but it's not over yet by a very long shot!
Author's reply
Hmmm, Brandybuck, could be somewhere there. However, Bolgers also seem to be good planners. Ferdi is impulsive, but he also doesn't care to leave things to chance -- he knows all about the luck of the Tooks, you see.
Thanks!
Larner
· 17 April 2014
· Chapter 12: Progress
A good two nights' journey they've had so far. I so hope that they will continue to make decent time. This cave sounds more comfortable than the hollow tree, at least.
Author's reply
I think the cave is at least more spacious, though perhaps not as warm. You win some, you lose some!
Thanks!
curiouswombat
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 11: Journey in the Dark
Just catching up. I love the sense of secrecy, the unknown, the journey through darkness, in this chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad that it worked.
robnrun
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 11: Journey in the Dark
Wonderfully vivid chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you!
Everlight
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 11: Journey in the Dark
Good chapter. I felt like I was there, stumbling through the dark, feeling the fear of being found.
It's rather sad that they had to put aside decency for her safety. It shows how desperate the circumstances really were.
Author's reply
Very desperate! I'm glad that Ferdi is as honorable as the day is long in the summertime. I can see him so focused on the mission that he's not too distracted by the details...
I have walked through a dark, damp wood without a light at hand. Not my favourite pastime... Sounds are louder than in the daytime, though (like the chuckling of a stream), and you get a feeling for the trees looming on either side, almost as if they project an aura of being there. I know it's a concept that someone who's blind uses, a cushion of air around solid objects, but I forget what it's called.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 11: Journey in the Dark
Oh what a close call! *whew!*
Ferdi's taking such good care of her; but her time with Hally and Rosemary was well spent, for she's learned to be wary and quiet and not panic.
Author's reply
Whew!
I'm not sure Ferdi would have agreed to take her, if not for the Bolgers' recommendation. On the other hand, what choice did he really have? He could not allow her to be forced into marriage with Lotho. So it would have been a much more dangerous journey for him, and more likely to end in disaster, with them both being captured and dispatched to their various dooms. (Which is still a possibility... They're not out of the woods yet.)
Still, it's a good thing she learned some sense and stealth, to keep them both safe.
Thanks!
Garnet Took
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 11: Journey in the Dark
This was a really good chapter filled with great imagery. I could sense the dark and cold clearly. I especially liked the description of how she could pick up on whether Ferdinand was going up or down hill just by holding onto his cloak. It reminded me of the way a blind person picks up the subtle clues given by a sighted guide.
That last scene with them hiding to sleep was well written. It was a little sad too to see that they were having to put aside the finer points of propriety in the need of safety.
This story is really starting to go to my heart. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you for your encouragement! I especially appreciate it as the next few chapters are difficult. I'm looking forward to getting past them, but am not going to enjoy typing them in from the draft.
The dark, damp Wood is bad enough. The thought of hiding in a crumbling, rotting tree along with all the bugs to be found there gives me the shivers. But then, contemplating ruffians is worse.
Ferdi is also cuddling close to Estella because he knows they'll stay warmer if they share their body heat. The fact that they're damp and chilled makes hypothermia more likely. Since his heart is safely snared by his Nell, I'm sure this necessary proximity isn't going to put any thoughts in his head, of asking to court Estella at some future date. Still, I'm sure it's uncomfortable for both of them, at least in terms of the propriety that they were both taught, being raised in Great families and not as likely to have experienced the rough-and-tumble, common sense lifestyle of Common hobbits.
Larner
· 4 April 2014
· Chapter 11: Journey in the Dark
Oh, no--Bill Ferny! Sounds as if he's sharper eared than his companions. Glad that the other guy overruled him.
As for the small place to sleep--sounds terribly cramped, but necessary. And what a horrible thing to think of just as she's ready to fall asleep!
Author's reply
Right! As Ferny left Bree at some point, and was found (where was it, at the Bridge?) in the Shire, I took the liberty of placing him in the Woody End at this point in time.
Stuff of nightmares... Poor Lotho. He has terrible luck when it comes to prospective brides... (Poor prospective brides, actually. I feel for them more than I do for Lotho.)
Am thoroughly frustrated. While we were gone at the last tournament, all the loose stuff got packed up in boxes so they could redo our floors. That means all my notes are packed who-knows-where. At present I'm only able to update the stories where I've already typed well ahead and saved the files online. Thain and Tenth Walker and Winter are not among those, arrgh.
So unless I find the right box, those are going back onto the back burner, sorry to say. Think good thoughts.
At the worst, we'll unpack all the boxes again when we're in our new house. No, we haven't even sold this house yet, so of course any new house is still a pipe dream. Will update you on the new address, when and if we have one.
Dreamflower
· 23 March 2014
· Chapter 10: Departure
Oh, it's clear that this journey will be no picnic! I'm on pins and needles even though I know how it turns out--you are so good at that!
Author's reply
Well, there will be twists and turns along the way, and finally an explanation why Ferdi left Estella where she did... which I don't recall spelling out in an earlier story.
Thanks for your help!
Author Reply: I mean, left Estella where he did. Sheesh. Maybe I shouldn't do this after bedtime...
Garnet Took
· 23 March 2014
· Chapter 10: Departure
I love your practical and stalwart hobbits. They are true examples of the race. The sadness and the uncertainty show through but they keep most of it to themselves because they all have a job to do.
I hope Estella isn't over-estemating her capabilities. She has grown stronger and developed a new attitude while she's been with Rosemary and Hally. Hopefully it will be enough to see her through and not put Ferdi at any more risk than he usually is at.
Now the plot thickens even more. Really looking forward to their dash, or long tramp is closer, to freedom.
Another nice story to wake up to. Thanks for continuing to share with us.
Author's reply
Thank you! It's quite a journey, and I hope I can do it justice.
(I do love practical and stalwart hobbits, too. They do what they must and put on the best face they can while doing it.)
Larner
· 23 March 2014
· Chapter 10: Departure
A great danger both must do their best to avoid. Love that Hallie did his best to prepare the children the way he did. Now, I await the next chapter with bated breath!
Author's reply
Yes, it's a dangerous enough journey for Ferdi alone, much less with someone who hasn't been practicing woodcraft for half as long as he has.
Larner
· 14 March 2014
· Chapter 9: Surprises
A terrible thought, that Lotho would have forced a marriage with her, and how it obviously hits home with Rosemary, having faced such a relationship herself! At least she's now being advised of what is going on at home. But running now might not be the best thing, as it would be a break in what the thugs have come to know as "usual."
Author's reply
So true! To stay or to go? I was reminded of Frodo's words at Weathertop while writing this section.
Thanks!
Everlight
· 13 March 2014
· Chapter 9: Surprises
Lotho to marry Estella! Oh, the very thought makes me sick. Ferdi had better come up with something quick or things will not turn out well for any of them. Poor Rosemary after what happened to her and now Estella...
Author's reply
It is a dreadful thought. Poor Lotho cannot find a willing bride, it seems... he has Lobelia's blessing this time because of Estella's social status. She can easily convince herself that it's the proper thing to do to protect an abandoned girl. In an earlier situation, Lotho didn't have the power to coerce a well-born lass, but he certainly does now.
Thanks!
robnrun
· 13 March 2014
· Chapter 9: Surprises
This is such an interesting story! I am so glad you are writing again, I've been going back through your work with great pleasure.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad to hear from you.
Dreamflower
· 13 March 2014
· Chapter 9: Surprises
This chapter is a complete gamechanger for the hobbits. You have raised the stakes considerably, and ratcheted up the tension!
Author's reply
Too true. They have been painted into the corner and there really is no happy, safe solution. All they can do is go ahead with what they know is right and be prepared to face the consequences. Whew.
Thank you for looking this over before it was posted! I meant to put a thank you in an author's note but forgot, and while I can post chapters from my phone (being computerless this week) I cannot edit them...
Larner
· 5 March 2014
· Chapter 8: Left Behind
A terrible and dangerous game this, playing "usual" with such potential adversaries. I rejoice that Ferdi managed to keep quiet so long with the ruffians in the next room. I can appreciate Estella's frustration and her willingness to aid Rosemary as best she can. Not an easy role to play, but a necessary one at the moment.
Author's reply
It must have been nerve-wracking, never able to relax for fear of slipping and putting the little ones in danger.
Estella still has a surprise coming (as does Rosemary)...
Thanks.
Larner
· 21 February 2014
· Chapter 7: Midnight Arrival
A most clever means of passing on news, this. And Estella is proving quite clever herself to appreciate just how the news is being passed on!
Author's reply
Well, she is a Bolger, after all, as well as a Took, and Bolgers and Tooks seem to be quite clever!
Thanks!
Everlight18
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 6: Gathering and Sharing
Estella is sure learning a lot in this short stay. She seems to do pretty well at being a "lad". I am wondering about how old she would be in this story (can't seem to find my own LOTR at the moment).
Hally and Rosie are walking a dangerous line and doing a great job. Hope they can keep it up.
Author's reply
Estella is learning great lessons in courage and character. I think it was a wonderful training ground for one who had been a rather spoilt youngest daughter.
If I'm remembering right, she's about 33 or 34 (just past coming of age). I've always envisioned her as a little shorter than average for a hobbit, somewhat more delicate than your typical hobbit (but with the capacity for wiry strength) rather than plump and buxom. She might fit the description "fairer than most" that was applied to Frodo, though she's certainly not taller (as he was).
Thanks!
Author Reply: (Think of a young Mary Martin playing Peter Pan, if you've seen any video of that, and then think of Estella being small and slight enough -- her delicacy is one reason her parents spoilt her so, in worry about her health -- to pass for a boy, with her hair cut off and in boy's clothes.)
curiouswombat
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 6: Gathering and Sharing
This is really interesting. I am especially taken with Rosmary and Hally's role - I can imagine, when the troubles are at an end, that they might find it difficult to convince some that they were on the right side...
Author's reply
You're quite right. I imagine they're banking on Ferdi (the Fox) sticking up for them when the ruffians are finally thrown out... if the ruffians can ever be finally thrown out... I think they're heartened that Paladin is keeping the Tookland free, but they don't have much hope for the rest of the Shire. Still, they're doing all they can, as best they can, to help the Cause.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 9 February 2014
· Chapter 6: Gathering and Sharing
Hally and Rosemary are so clever in their manipulation of the Ruffians, but clever as they may be, they know the danger they are in! I think Estella has begun to appreciate the people she's found herself among.
Love her thought of Merry at the end. *grin*
Author's reply
I do hope that Estella has learned a lot in her short stay. Pretending to collaborate is a dangerous business, and Hally and Rosemary are certainly showing their quality as they walk this tightrope without a safety net. (Did I just mix a metaphor? It's late, and I've used the fact that we've been snowed in as an opportunity to catch up on a few stories this weekend. What fun! Just hope I don't confuse one plot with another...)
*grinning with you*
Larner
· 9 February 2014
· Chapter 6: Gathering and Sharing
It's good to see the "gathering" being shared back to those who've lost the most to the ruffians and true collaborators. And Estella is in the perfect situation to speak in Hally's family's favor when recriminations start piling up once the Travellers are back.
Author's reply
Oh, my. That suddenly brings to mind a scene of Hally and Rosie, bound and dragged before a judge (Frodo? Master? Thain?)...
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 28 April 2010
· Chapter 5: A Busy Day
Rosemary and Hally are so clever! And the way they plan ahead, you'd think they were Brandybucks! Love the idea of the little sacks!
And Estella's dream reminds us all of the larger picture!
Author's reply
Well, I suppose forest Bolgers, as they're not as well off as gentlehobbits, can't afford to be quite so carefree as Smials Tooks... They've had good preparation for this time. Thanks!