A Pony's Tale by Kara's Aunty
LivingInME · 21 March 2017 · Chapter 5: All Good Things Must Come To An End
There are few stories on here, in which I actually laugh out loud, but you have done an amazing job!! Thank you so very much!! I have been very ill for almost a month, and it had gotten into my soul, you may say. But, "Laughter doeth the heart good like medicine." Thank you for such a delightful story. Your "Bill" had me tearing up, it was so funny. I truly needed that.
Golden · 2 March 2009 · Chapter 5: All Good Things Must Come To An End
Great story! *L* What a charming pony! *G*
Author's reply
Hello Golden Girl! I'm delighted you enjoyed it - and Bill blushed when he read the bit about 'charming pony' (until I told him you meant Asfaloth - he's not speaking to me now). Thank you so very much for R & R-ing, M :o)
Celeritas · 22 February 2009 · Chapter 5: All Good Things Must Come To An End
Drop dead, Asfaloth! Lol!!! Nice ending you have here (in case you couldn't tell, I'm trying to catch up on all the reviews I fell behind on!).
Author's reply
Hello Celeritas, It seemed just the right way to end the tale, with Bill's cheeky wish to Asfaloth!! Not that he would seriously wish harm on him.... I'm still trying to catch up on reading I've left behind, let alone reviewing, so I completely understand where you're coming from! Fortunately, the stories aren't going anywhere (at least, I sincerely hope not: I've got about 5 I'm still trying to read between my own writings: If the authors take them offsite - for whatever reason - before I finish them, I'll be distraught). So no worries there, m'dear. Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)
Larner · 16 February 2009 · Chapter 5: All Good Things Must Come To An End
Oh, the plotbunnies and nuzguls get us all--believe me! Look at how many stories I find myself writing at once!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, I know - it's a bloomin' nightmare, isn't it? You start off with the best intentions, get really stuck into a story and suddenly - wham! You can't concentrate on it or anything else for the bunny banging on the door to your imagination. Bad bunnies! Fortunately, the superb quality of your own fics hasn't suffered one bit due to this (I've just seen a new chapter of your fabulous Bormoir fic, so I must get round to reading it ASAP). Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)
Andrea · 16 February 2009 · Chapter 5: All Good Things Must Come To An End
Farewell for the present, Imladris Fair! Farewell nice elves - thank you for your care. Drop dead, Asfaloth. ROTFL!!! Well, in fact it's exactly that last sentence that made me laugh ;-) And since we know already that Bill's wishes do not come true at once, I'd say Asfaloth is in no immediate danger. That was a very funny story and I enjoyed it a great deal. I especially loved the descriptive names Bill gave his companions: the master with the many pots, the master's master, the (still) flowery one, the Great Grey Vanishing Act (LOL) and last but not least the "Gimmy".
Author's reply
Hello Andrea, Yippee! Someone finally mentioned the (almost) last sentence - it made me laugh my sock off (is it a bad thing to say that about on's own fic?). I'm thrilled you enjoyed Bill's tale. He's a good wee soul, really - it's just unfortunate for him that he is so sensitive (although understandable, really, given his miserable past with Ferny). But it makes exploring his thoughts and writing them down a lot of fun, so I'm pleased that it made you smile! Thanks always for R & R-ing, it means a great deal, m'dear! M ;)
Antane · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 5: All Good Things Must Come To An End
Poor Bill - he's going to go East - but he'll be needed where he's going and he's got his Sam and he knows he loved. He's the only one not depressed in leaving if I remember correctly. And what is this other tale, Precious? We wonders, yes, we wonders... Namarie, God bless, your imp :)
Author's reply
Hello Cousin, Bill will be in excellent company on the journey as everyone will look out for his comfort as much as can be allowed on such a trek. But he says thank you for the concern, sweetie ;) Don't get too excited about the other tale: you might not like it. It's a Harry Potter/LOTR crossover which has been demanding my attention for a while now and it's posted on ff.net as I don't think SoA accepts them. But it's fun for me to write because it's about my other literary hero (not necessarily Harry). Thank you, as always, for R & R-ing, Tookish bloom that you are. M :o)
Sunny · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 5: All Good Things Must Come To An End
It seems that all is not yet rosy between Bill and “the Gimmy”. I am sure Gimli thinks he is being friendly. Yet in the grooming, it seems that Gimli’s Naugrim heritage came out a bit too clearly, since _Bill_ thought he was mining for mithril. In his coat!! I just _loved_ that image – and so appropriate for a dwarf! And Bill has at least learned his lesson about “red hay”, so no more friction of _that_ sort is likely to occur. Yet the new source of friction is as amusing as the culinary one – Gimli serenading his new friend!! Perhaps Gimli made a song of Bill’s and Legolas’ encounter – and specificially included the … shower? XD I can see that Bill is still as interested in f.. ahem, _romance_ as in earlier chapters XD I must say I liked Bill’s little ditty – I haven’t actually read the Oz books yet, though I have the files on my hard drive, and may actually put them in my iLiad one of these days. :-) And never mind the waiting – the result was worth it. An excellent – and utterly hilarious – story!
Author's reply
Hello Sunny, They are quite a trio, eh? Pony, Dwarf and Elf! Although I think Bill likes the Gimmy now, as long long as he doesn't burst into song. At least he won't be scoffing any more Dwarf hair any time soon, which can only be a reliesf for Gimli (and Legolas). But he is an amorous little pony and I don't think he's had much kuck with the ladies so far, sp he's a bit obsesseed with that just now! I've never actually heard of the Oz books before, to be honest. I just the song title from the film for my own purposes, but I'm glad you liked it ;) Thank you so much for the high praise of Bill's wee story - he's delighted to have impressed at least one lady (even though you're not of the equine variety). He asked me to get your phone number for him, but don't worry; I told him to get lost! Thank you so much for R & R-ing, A very happy Kara's Aunty :o) Author Reply: Oops, I made some keyboard errors in that reply which I've just spotted - sorry!
shirebound · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 5: All Good Things Must Come To An End
A warbling mini-man, The Great Grey Hope, LOL! I love these descriptions. I'm certain that Bill arrived back in Rivendell from his harrowing experience on the Quest with valorous tales and a new air about him, truly irresistible to the adoring females. *applauds*
Author's reply
Hello shirebound, *Bows* Thanks for the lovely review. I think Bill went straight to Bree after his flight from Khazad-dûm, although I'm not entirely sure about that, but if he didn't, he would certainly have had a tale to spin for the ladies that would have left the prissy elf horse foaming at the mouth. Actually, I love Asfaloth - it's Bill who has the problem with him. But the pony does have a flair for drama about him and a rather hobbity-horse way of referring to those around him. I had a good giggle following his train of thought. Writing this fic was so much fun! What made it more so, were the hilarious reviews that made me smile and laugh and, well, really just egged me on to be terribly naughty. I think there may be another tale for Bill at some point in the future, but for now, let me just say thank you for reading and reviewing. You have helped to make this a very enjoyable experience! M ;)
Larner · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 4: The Pride that comes before the Fall
Aha! Truly delightful to see this from poor Gimli's POV. And in this case Legolas DID deserve it! Heh! The Dwarf is now avenged!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, Indeed! Legolas was rather naughty and got his well-deserved come-uppance from a poorly pony. At least Bill's feeling better now - as well as Gimli! Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)
Andrea · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 4: The Pride that comes before the Fall
ROTFL!!!! That was hilarious! First of all Pippin's well-meant instructions, Gimli actually trying them out and his final resolve to better carry "the ancient one" to Mount Doom than the little rascal. Secondly, Legolas' song! It was very hobbity, indeed. But if I remember right, that was also true for the songs sung by the elves of Mirkwood in "The Hobbit". Cheeky elves ;-) And last but not least, the "incident"! Well, elf and dwarf behaved very naughty before. But I'm laughing along with Gimli! The princeling should have held his tongue! Only one chapter to go? "Schade!" I really liked this story :)
Author's reply
Hello Andrea, Arme Gimli, nicht wahr? Und arme Legolas auch! But the cheeky twosome got what they deserved: Gimli for wanting to take swing at Bill, and Legolas for making fun of a distressed dwarf! This stage in LOTR (when all are gathered at Rivendell, waiting for the order to leave) is a perfect opportunity for a fic full of mischief - especially ad dwarf and elf had yet to discover their great friendship. Having a more innocent quartet of hobbits is a gift too, for although they have endured more trials than their kind would experience in lifetime even at this point, they have yet to face the harsh realities of war. Rivendell is just too irresistible a place at this stage not to have them all creating mischief... I'm thrilled you're enjoying everything from Pippin's cheeky comments and Gimli's unflattering head couture, to Legolas' impromptu (and completely disgusting) 'shower'! Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)
Elflingimp · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 4: The Pride that comes before the Fall
Ha!Ha!Ha! It's been a long time since I have laughed this hard! Thank you, I am keeping this in my favorites for whenever I need a good laugh, very well done! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Hello Elflingimp, I'm thrilled to bits that you had such a good laugh - and flattered without end that you're favouriting 'A Pony's Tale' for a giggle in the future. Hopefully, it'll continue to put a smile on your face when you need it to ;) Yhanks for R & R-ing, M ;)
Dreamflower · 1 February 2009 · Chapter 4: The Pride that comes before the Fall
Oh merciful heavens! Legolas and Gimli both were being rather brats, weren't they? It's a wonder Elrond did not pull them out of the Fellowship! Good old Bill! I look forward to seeing more of his POV.
Author's reply
Helo Dreamflower, Gosh, I hope Tolkien didn't actually perceive the rocky start of their relationship quite as torridly as my own pen does - they'd never have made it as far as Hollin ;) But you have the right of it: they are a couple of brats, indeed. However, the sharp words of Glóin should go a long way to force them to mind their p's and q's when they're in the same room (and Gandalf will sort out any tomfoolery on the quest, I hope). Bill's pov will be up in the next chapter, so I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, M ;)
Ainariel · 31 January 2009 · Chapter 4: The Pride that comes before the Fall
Oh my! This really makes you think about how interesting the early days of the fellowship might have been... Loved Pippin's suggestion - and the aftermath - but REALLY enjoyed Gloin giving Legolas and Gimli a good tongue lashing in the Hall of Fire! (Your Gloin reminded me a little of my own father there!) This story has been so enjoyable, I almost hate to think it will soon be finished.
Author's reply
Hello Ainariel, It's great that you enjoyed this chapter so much! Pippin is a bit innocent at this stage of the quest, and that fact is a lot of fun to play around with...imagine, a bald elf! Only Pip! Glóin's litle display in the Hall of Fire is proving quite popular, to my surprise, I'm thrilled that you and other readers (here on SoA and elsewhere) have taken to it so much! It was a lot of fun to have him publicly berate the two upstarts; I imagine they will be more cautious around each other in the future, thanks to him. (I would mess with Glóin...or your father. Dads, you've got to love them!). I'm so happy that you have stayed with this story throughout its duration; I am a little sad that it's coming to an end too. But I will do a Gimli/Legolas humour fic again, placing them in the Shire with none other than my hobbit OC Farlibar Barliburn (Valar help them!). Thanks for R & R-ing, your reviews are a tonic to this author's heart, M ;) Author Reply: P.S. Oops! I meant to say I wouldn't mess with Glóin (or your dad). M :o)
Antane · 31 January 2009 · Chapter 4: The Pride that comes before the Fall
That these two end up best friends to the degree that they are loath to part and go both the Undying Lands is even more incredible and wonderful with all the feuding they are doing here! Love Gloin's making them apologize. Love most Pippin's 'cure' for baldness and the explosion of mirth it caused in Merry and Bilbo. That was the best part. Had some other smirks in here too. The last couple sentences are cute. Thanks, cuz. Namarie, God bless, Your Tookish bloom :)
Author's reply
Hello bloom, I find I can have a right good laugh with Legolas and Gimli and put them through all sorts of confrontations with each other at this stage - because I know that, in the end, the will be two of the greatest friends to have ever dwelled in Middle Earth! And I suspected yu might have a bit of a laugh at Pippin's cheeky diatribes - you've got to love a Took! I know that there is a certain amount of fact behind his 'hairy' words because a lot of butchers etc experience the phenomena of hairy shoulders for that reason, so it seemed appropriate to have Pip make the suggestion (although he did rather digress from the point when he suggested Gimli rub it on his head! Thenls for R & R-ing, m'dear, M ;)
Antane · 29 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
Bill the Exploding Pony, heh? :) I don't think you and your muse had any trouble talking this time, cousin dear, because you can just hear all the fun you had writing this. Poor Bill. And poor Asfaloth! Namarie, God bless, the Imp who is now going to happily run off to read your latest dangerous chapter... :)
Author's reply
Hello Cous, Fortunately, his explosions were limited to the digestive sort - unluckily for Legolas. But it was indeed a hoot and a half writing it! Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, Me ;)
Larner · 27 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
Oh, I know how that goes! Took me eight months to get one chapter of Stirring Rings done! Poor Bill--and worse, poor Legolas. Oh, but I'm certain that Bill just went up several points in Gimli's regard over this one! Heh! And he thinks to capture the attention of one of the twins' mares, eh? Dream on, little pony! Heh!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, You may be right about the change of fortunes in Bill and Gimli's relationship... I couldn't resist giving him a (sort of) love interest. He's had a hard life after all and deserves a break. As for the elven mare...well, it's nice ti have aspirations (snigger). Thanks for the boost re: my mojo. It was quite an uncomfortable experience for a while there, let me tell you! An eight-month stretch without one, though (shudder. You poor thing. Still, it obviously came back BIG TIME because 'Stirring Rings' is one of the most fascinating and hugely enjoyable fics I've ever read... Thanks also for R & R-ing, M ;)
Utfrog · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
I am typing this with tears of laughter still wet on my face. This is just lovely and so different. Thank you.
Author's reply
Hello Utfrog, how excellent to get such a reaction from you! I'm chuffed to bits (pleased as punch, etc) that you like it so much! This was just a silly wee story that came to me to counter all the angst of one of others that's still in progress - keeps a nice balance betwee the two emotions. I'm actually writing chapter 4 just now (Gimli's pov) and I nearly spat my own tea out thinking of all the things he might do or say in reaction to his pony-encounter...oh the opportunities! Thank you so much for your lovely words and the great review - you've made my day! M ;)
Andrea · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
That was it! Bill had to find the wizard and convince him to use his magic on the lovely mare (and his long stick on Asfaloth - just for good measure)! ROTFL!!! Now that pony has an amazing imagination! Fortunately, Bill will never ever again try to eat the Gimmy's hair. And the Gimmy got his revenge on "Legless". But poor Legolas! It must have been horrible ;-) Last but not least, the title you chose was great! Your author's notes confused me a little bit ;-) I've seen a "ceremony" which involved haggis. A man (wearing a kilt of course) spoke lots of words in a lovely accent. I tried hard to understand him, but in the end I failed. During his speech he used a knife to "attack" the haggis, which was part of the ceremony I'd say. Then he left and everyone cheered, but I don't know exactly what was going on ;-) Can you tell me?
Author's reply
Hello Andres, Bill is a rather clever litle pony, disguised as shy and humble! Poor Legless was horrible - I'm about to start writing chapter 4, so you'll have the chance to see for yoursel just how horrible! And I couldn't resis the title - the lyrics from that song just popped into my head after I'd covered poor Legolas in pony poo, so I had to use them. If you want more info on the ceremony you saw (you're lucky, I'm Scottish, but I haven't witnessed one yet - of course, if I acually made the effort, I could, so it's my own fault really!), I've written down some links. The whole event is a celebration of the poet's works and the Scottish identity. The poem you heard 'Address to a Haggis' is read out before the haggis is served and the stabbing may have been the honorary 'first cut' of the dish (although I'm no expert). For more info on the format of a Burns' Supper: http://www.rabbie-burns.com/the_supper/index.cfm.html For general info and history on haggis and a full view of the poem 'Address to a Haggis': http://www.worldburnsclub.com/begin/address_to_a_haggis.htm Have fun & thanks for R & R-ing, M ;) P.S. My own haggis was delicious!
Elflingimp · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
Ha!Ha!Ha!Ha! LMAO!ROTFL! You sure have a way with words Kara's Aunty! Was that Legolas that got blasted!!!!! LOL! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Hello Elflingimp, I'm laughing at the thought of you ROTFL & LYAO! How brilliant to get such a reaction!! You have made my day, m'dear. Yep, it was Legolas (he wouldn't really squabble with any other elf like that, they'd probably kill him!). It seemed only fair considering the abuse (ribbing) he's giving Gimli for being bested by a pony - which you'll find out about in chapter 4 (Gimli's pov)... Thanks for R & R-ing - and I'm SO glad you enjoyed it! M ;)
Tithenaru · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
I'm so glad your mojo is back; I laughed 'till I cried! Can't wait to hear more from Bill on Gimmy, Leglass, the prissy elf horse, and flowery scented men. Tithenaru
Author's reply
Hello Tithenaru, Great name you've got there! And it's great to hear you're enjoying the fic so much! I was intending to finish it with the next chapter (Gimli's pov), but I might stretch it to one more, just for you... (I'm glad my mojo is back too - I had to make some serious bribes and it scoffed the last of the haggis before it re-entered my conciousness, greedy sod that it is!) Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)
grmpy · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
Oh my heavens, did I have a laugh over this chapter. I love Bill the pony's way of looking at life. Poor, poor Legolas. Ahh the smelly one, has become the flowery sented one, he can give tips to Bill, about females.
Author's reply
Hello gmpy, Glad you're enjoying Bill's wee story! It's nice to try to look at things from his perspective! And imagining how he would refer to non-humans is a hoot. Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
Ainariel · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
Oh my...What can I say - I've laughed so hard tears are (still) rolling! Poor little pony, pondering "...Bill-bits gently floating to the ground..." You know you are not feeling well when you consider your own demise! I love Bill's perspective here - decidely more 'pony' than 'horse' (and I've spend a fair amount of time with both) You may not be an equine expert, but you have captured the essense of these mighty little creatures! (I worked with a pony gelding when I was in college that just knew he was the biggest, baddest horse in the barn - Nevermind the fact that he could almost walk UNDER the belly of the School's largest horse!) I do have bit of con crit, though - (two bits, actually). 1)Horses can't burp - they're physically unable. (This is the main reason bloat/colic can be deadly.) Although I must add that it did bring a chuckle! (The stone that started the avalanche, so to speak...) 2)It seems odd that the elf from the stable would let Bill loose in the field, knowing he was bloated. That can be very dangerous - if the horse/pony were to roll, their intestines can shift and become blocked (this is what can cause death). "Twisted gut' has been a known equine malady for quite a long time - I would think it would be known in ME at this time (by the Elves anyway, if not by Men) Of course, hand walking poor Bill wouldn't allow for the 'race' with Asfaloth, and would ruin the end of the chapter... Whatever you used to bribe your mojo worked - I am thoroughly enjoying this story, and look forward to more!
Author's reply
Hello Anariel, Oh I loved every last word of your splendid review - it was almost as long as my chapter! Thanks very much. Yes Bill is working-class equine, so to speak. The salt of the earth and highly underrated and his continued differences of opinions with the aristocratic Asfaloth have been a joy to write. I'm thrilled you think I've captured 'pony' essence; that's a huge compliment - especially as I've never worked with a horse/pony in my life (I did 'ride' a horse once, but nearly suffered heart failure when it broke into a trot, as opposed to the extremely slow walk I had been getting used to). So I had a feeling my limited experience would come back to bite my posterior when I wrote that he 'butped'; I wasn't sure if equine actually do, but went with it anyway. You have me there, m'dear! As for the colic & exercise, well, I DID put a note at the top of the chapter stating I was not an expert and had extrapolated info from various websites and that my interpretation may be flawed, so I was a bit surprised to see the crit on that... But thanks for the more concise explanation of the issue: trying to marry various points of info into some semblance of order on a foreign subject was very draining, so you've been a great help as I can apply this to future fics ;) I'm chuffed to bits (very thrilled) that you're enjoying the fic and am going to start on Gimli's pov straight away! Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)
shirebound · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
...a little adventure with a dashing stranger... You show her what she's been missing, Bill! Err, once you're completely healthy again, that is. I'm very glad Aragorn soothed him enough to 'let go', but oh dear, poor... was that Legolas??
Author's reply
Hello Shirebound, Yup, it was Legolas. Sorry for the confusion (I thought I'd left enough tips to indicate it was him, because Gimli wouldn't really squabble with any other elf, but you're not the only person who's asked that, so perhaps I didn't). I just didn't know how else Bill would describe him, not knowing his name. Mea culpa! And yes, Bill with a fancy woman, eh? I thought it was only fair - the equine's never seem to get a love interest! Thanks for R & R-ing. M ;)
Sunny · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
That Bill is a very ... basic ... sort of creature, isn't he? Feeding and f.. ahem, _reproduction_ is what occupies him - when he is not suffering the consequences of eating "red hay". :-) But oh! The ending of this chapter! If someone had just managed to sneak a camera in there to immortalize the sight of Legolas being ... fertilized! ROFLMAO
Author's reply
Hello Sunny, Bill is indeed a 'basic' chap, he only wants a good home, good food and a good master. I don't know if he's occupied with reproduction so much as having a mate (in the manner humans may wish a spouse). He's a decent lad after all, he was prepared to 'marry' her (ahem). Of course, he could just be a randy old perv trying to make up for lost time... Poor Legolas, eh? I had the ending of the chapter in my head before I knew how I was going to lead the story to that point, so filling the other 2000 or so words above the last 4 sentences were the most difficult part. Worth it though! And I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to writing Gimli's POV next, (I was laughing out loud at work today thinking of it and got some very questionable looks from colleagues who thought I'd lost it - though perhaps I have...). Anyway, glad you liked this chapter and I'm off to write the next! Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)
Celeritas · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 3: The Answer, my Friend, is Blowing in the Wind...
Okay, correct me if I read this wrong: Legolas got covered in horsepuke? That, my friend, is hysterical. And Bill trying to impress an elven mare was quite funny, too! From a writer's pov, I especially liked you trying to describe how elven horse medicine would work, from the pony's viewpoint.
Author's reply
Hello Celeritas, Actually, he got blasted in colicky wind (and a fair amount of soft poo). Poor sod. But at least the Gimmy knows he's not the only one to suffer at the pony's (ahem) hands. Can you imagine the grief he's been getting from Legoals since he found out about the incident two days earlier? The next chapter will lay it out for you! Researching all those websites for suitable info was a nightmare, let me tell you. But it all worked out in the end (except for Legolas). See you, M ;)