Trotter by Dreamflower
Matt · 12 January 2017 · Chapter 999: Epilogue: Full Circle
I finally had time to read this longer tale. Really liked it a lot. Whether you're working with elves or hobbits you have such delightful characterizations. Too bad Trotter couldn't find a love even amongst a representative of the other races, but sometimes doors like that just don't open in our lives. Thanks for your hard work on this delightful tale.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 999: Epilogue: Full Circle
It is time for Hildifons to go home indeed. I vaguely remember (I think) you writing a story about Pippin taking Hildifons' book to the Thain's study and placing it on Gerontius' desk? Or am I misremembering? Lord knows I do that often enough Dreamflower, lol! Anyway this was a good reread, though it left me with more questions than answers, as usual :)
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 32: Interlude: A Life Well-Lived
I have a feeling Hildifons is looking on Bilbo and smiling at his nephew!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 31: The Last Homely House
Alas for Arathorn son of Arador, son of Argonui! But at least Trotter had the chance to know Thorn's son, for a little while. I think Trotter would be uncommonly proud of the man Thorn's son grew up to be.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 30: The End of an Era
Isengrim was widowed and lost a child? :( That's terribly sad! Is it referenced anywhere else? :( poor Isen! I'm glad Hildifons has news of his family, both good and not so good, and that of course Isengar made it home. Where did Gandalf find him, I wonder?
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 29: The Fell Winter
Poor Thorn - he lost his grandfather, Arador lost his father! And Hildifons lost his mother without being able to say goodbye, or that he was sorry. :( This Winter was terrible indeed! (I've been meaning to ask - what's catarrh, exactly? Other than obviously very terrible sickness?)
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 28: My Return to Two Rivers
Oh Dreamflower, I love Trotter's homecoming - for that is what it is, coming back to his adopted home, and his family, including Thorn. It always amazes me whenever the huge age difference between Arathorn and Gilraen is pointed out, but you did an excellent job of illustrating it here, that's for sure LOL! I hope Oriel and Nethon will be happy, too!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 27: Finding My Feet Again
The songs and tales carried me out of myself-- even when I could not understand all that was said (for my Sindarin was still lacking to a certain degree) I could somehow feel what it all meant, and was carried away by the pictures in my heart to far distant times and places. And so it was, that I was startled to hear a mellifluous Elven voice, deep in timbre, speaking not in the Elven tongue, but in Westron. I looked to see an Elf even taller than most I had met so far. He had a mane of golden hair, and in the light of the fire he seemed to glow himself. Never before had I seen such comeliness and power. He was telling a story of he last days of the King: Arvedui of Arthedain, and of a group of valiant but small archers who had marched to his side. He told of how their bows had defended the camp, where the healers and the servants were tending the needs of the wounded, and how a small force of the Enemy had treacherously come from behind, to slay the defenseless. The archers had turned to meet this threat, with bow until their arrows were spent, and then with stones until they were utterly overwhelmed, and all were slain save one, who was left for dead. And he told of the grief of the Army of Men and Elves, who had turned from their own victory against the Sorcerer of the North to find one last sad defeat behind them. They had driven the Enemy off from despoiling their victims, and then come back to grieve for the gallant fallen. As he finished, he looked directly at me and bowed, and then he came and knelt before me. I was surprised to see tears in his eyes. "My lord," I stammered, "I have never heard any who knew the fate of those long ago hobbits before. How do you know of what happened?" "Master Hildifons, I was there. My name is Glorfindel, and never have I ceased to grieve for the sacrifice of your people, for though they were a peaceful folk of a peaceful land they gave their all for their King. And you are a worthy descendant of them." Glorfindel and I were friends from that moment on. I loved that part! Especially "Master Hildifons, I was there..." Wow. What a realization!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 26: Interlude: Choices and Consequences
Poor Hildifons. He hoped no other hobbit ever faced a decision like that. Foreshadowing. :( *hugs Bilbo...and Frodo*
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 25: Hard Truths
Elrohir backed away and closed the door, leaving me alone with the wizard, who crossed the room and sat down next to me. "I understand you did something rather astonishing." I looked at him and shrugged. "I did what I had to, to protect my friend," I said. "You did indeed protect your friend, and you protected far more than that. I am uncommonly proud of you, Hildifons Took." He did indeed protect "far more than that"! What a terrible thought - if Trotter hadn't saved Arathorn...*shudders* I'm proud of Hildifons too!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 24: Bad News
I'm so glad Elrond has Trotter safe! Safe, but not unharmed, not at all... That is probably one of the worst things a hobbit could hear! :( Poor Hildifons!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 23: Disaster
Oh goodness, what a terrible position to be in, rather literally O_O I'm kind of glad I seem to have blocked myself from picturing it in my head, I'm sure it'd give me nightmares! I'm sure it'll give Trotter bad ones, what a mercy Thorn was unconscious for it... I'm glad Thorn, at least, got pulled out safely! Trotter, though...
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 22: Thorn Returns
What a homecoming for Thorn! But the end of this chapter does not bode well for Trotter, I know...*wince* I like it that Oriel is trying to catch "Freckles"' eye! Heh! :)
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 21: Rangering
"Freckles"! Poor Nethon! Oh, lad, you should not have been so careless! Heh! Well, at least Hildifons feels sorry for him. And maybe he'll get a better name later, who knows? Fornost does sound amazing!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 20: Interlude: The Wizard's Point of View
"Good morning, Bilbo Baggins," said a familiar voice behind him. Bilbo startled, but he did not turn around. Very deliberately, he said "What do you mean? Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not?" He was rewarded by a roar of hearty, booming laughter. "Ah, I have missed you, old friend! How are you settling, here among the Elves?" *laughs too, but I have to stifle it as it's getting late and mom went to bed* That was the perfect response! Gandalf only makes fireworks for hobbits? Oh, really? O.o Why?
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 19: The Grey Wanderer
Gandalf! I am glad that he isn't staying angry with Hildifons. It's not his fault the letter got mislaid, after all, they had no way of knowing. And it's also good that Gandalf will tell Gerontius the truth. I just feel bad knowing none of the rest of the family (until Bilbo anyway) ever find out...
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 18: As Time Goes By
I bet Thorn was not happy about starting school - having Trotter there must have made things so much easier! And, five years later, having to leave Trotter behind must have been so difficult for poor Thorn. I can see both of them took that parting badly :(
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 17: I Become a Ranger
Oh, I loved Dirhael and Ivorwen's wedding! A Yule wedding seems so perfect for those who will bring forth Hope. (So to speak, although it is their child who shall be the Bearer of Hope, as it were). I also love that Dirhael is the Poet, in case I didn't say so before :)
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 16: My New Home
/In the Shire, children are schooled by their families-- parents or older siblings teach the younger children their letters and numbers, and children who need to learn more than the basics have lessons with cousins or uncles or aunts who are knowledgeable. I could not understand how the parents could entrust their childrens' learning to strangers!/ Ah, yes! Of course, in "my" Arnor, the tutor *is* related to nearly all his pupils, so he is hardly a stranger! But I can see where Hildifons might wonder!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 15: Interlude: The Dúnadan
*grins* And just as "Thorn" makes friends with Trotter, Trotter's nephew befriends "Thorn's" son! How right and proper that is :) I enjoy these little interludes so much, Dreamflower!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 14: A Very Long Night
Ah, Lady Meldis and Trotter are bonding, just as he bonded with Thorn :) I love how he's settling in with his friends in Two Rivers! A very good thing, that!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 13: A Timely Arrival
Ah, and so Thorn meets Trotter, and Porridge! (I can't remember if I said yet, but Porridge is a *fantastic* name for a pony! Especially a hobbit pony! :D ) And Thorn is about to acquire a new sister! Wonderful :)
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 12: Language Lessons
Ah, Two Rivers! So *this* is where I got the name! You know, our conception of Two Rivers/Taduin, the Rangers' chief dwelling place, is rather different, but the location is the same! I'm glad you reminded me where on the map I'd put it...silly of me, Dreamflower, but your Dear Miss Dora's Dear Miss Kaylee is *horrible* at geography! Hoarwell and Bruinen, that's right! I would almost think Atto Fiondil inspired this re-read, so I could make sure of my route for our dear Faran...hmm...
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 11: Interlude: Teatime with the Twins
I do love reading about Bilbo's interaction with Elrond's sons! I'm sorry to hear about Siggy's death :( but of course it had to have happened, he didn't have a Ring making him feel like 'butter scraped over too much bread'. I do wonder what he made of his best cousin aging so slowly, Dreamflower! What do you think?
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 2 April 2015 · Chapter 10: A Meeting in the Wild
Aha, so Longshanks is Arador! Of course, I knew that, but this re-read is so long in coming that I'd half-forgotten anyway. :) I'm glad to see Trotter make the acquaintance of Arador (and Argonui, and Arathorn, and Aragorn, and all the others', LOL!) foster-brothers.