I'm really starting to like Denlad a lot. This is very enjoyable. I hope they get to Aragorn soon, although i'm sure the hobbit is doing his best. Thanks so much for taking the time to write us such great stories.
Casso.
Author's reply
Thank you, Casso... I really do have a fondness for Denlad, if that doesn't sound too arrogant, since he's my own creation! I'm so glad others are enjoying him as well. And your very welcome for the stories... I have a lot of fun writing them and it's just an added bonus to be able to share them, too. :)
shirebound
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 4: Grim Deeds
Oh, where have they gone? *frets*
Author's reply
I imagine Halbarad and Denlad are fretting as much as you are! And want answers to that same question. Thanks for the review!
Dreamflower
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 4: Grim Deeds
Oh dear! Now I wonder if there may be others besides that small group of Southrons! What *were* they spying out, I wonder!
But if they've spotted Ferdinand, they will soon find Aragorn! Yay!
Author's reply
Those Southrons are a bit mysterious, aren't they? And yes, Halbarad and Denlad are getting closer... or are they? You'll just have to keep reading to find out. :) Thanks for the review!
Raksha The Demon
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
I loved Ferdinand's going on and on with Hobbit persistence about gardening, etc.; while he is clearly an uncommon hobbit, he is also a hobbit, and they do love to talk.
Good chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, Raksha! Yes, Ferdinand is all hobbit when it comes to chatter, much to Aragorn's dismay. I imagine he's wondering if he'll have any ears left by the end of this misadventure. :)
Inzilbeth
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
Your Ferdinand is such a delight! And I feel you've completely nailed both his hobbitness and his Tookishness! If Aragorn can't have Elrond caring for him, he could be in far less capable hands. I've always admired the way you blend your humour and your angst and this chapter is a perfect example of how well you achieve a perfect balance between the two. Another great read.
Author's reply
Thank you, Inzilbeth! I'm glad you like Ferdinand... I very much tried to write him in the mold of hobbits and he seems to be very hobbity, yes. And perhaps a bit *too* full of Tookishness! But that's what makes him fun. I do think that Aragorn is in good hands indeed. Thanks for leaving a review... since you beta this for me I can't imagine sometimes why you want to read it yet again, but I'm glad you do! :)
Oh wow, this hobbit is pretty awesome. I have known people like him- they never let you get a word in- and yet they remain charming. Oh wow, I know someone who exactly reminds me of your OC. What a strange notion.
I loved his rambling- it just washed over me. I loved his description of the Rangers, too- gave me a great reminder as to their features. I need to draw Halbarad one of these days.
And wow, that is one of the worst cliffhangers I've seen in quite a long time XD Now here is what I imagine happening...
1. Ferdinand will insist on helping them, and not hearing Aragorn's protests, does his cool Hobbit-thing, sneaks up, and uses his awesome stone-throwing powers to knock at least one of them down.
2. Ferdinand is about to help, but Aragorn catches him in time. Unless these bandits are Not Actually Bandits, I think it's improbable that they would manage to win, unless they had... well, crossbows. But I cannot think of a plausible reason for them to keep the Rangers alive unless, again, they are Not Actually Bandits.
3. Aragorn stupidly tries to help them in his condition and tells Hobbit to stay there. Hobbit doesn't listen. Results may vary.
There would be no reason to take the Rangers alive (unless you're cooking up something), so the only way they'd lose is if they died... and that would be mean... I am guessing the first option, seems most plausible and sounds like something this hobbit would do. 2 would suggest a deeper, more complicated problem for the Rangers... I hope Aragorn remembers he's of no use to anyone though XD
Right. Can't wait to see what happens.
Author's reply
Thank you, Laire! Hmm, interesting speculations you have there... which I find fascinating, always, to hear from a reader. Hobbits are excellent stone throwers, yes. And Ferdinand does seem the type to want to go off and help people, yes. And Aragorn does have a contrary streak when it comes to helping people when he's in no condition to help them...
But alas, I can't speculate on any of those points or there'd be no reason for anyone to keep reading. *g* I'm glad you're enjoying this. And I'd apologize for the cliffhanger, but um, I won't. *g*
Thanks for the entertaining review!
Now that was a mean ending! *g* Just when I was expecting a happy reunion every moment. ;-) I hope Aragorn doesn't try to charge into battle in the state he's in, but I wouldn't put it beyond him. And I hope Halbarad and Denlad were not completely surprised by the attack. *starts worrying*
I so enjoyed Ferdinand's prattling in this chapter, be it about cucumber and kingsfoil (what a nice combination *g*), the Prancing Pony and Barliman, elves and beards, or striking rangers (I had a great time imagining how Halbarad and Denlad might have reacted if they had been able to hear Ferdinand's description of them, lol)! :D I wish Ferdinand had been part of the books or movies, he's so very entertaining. *g* I can just imagine him prattling on even when meeting a Balrog!
I enjoyed this chapter a lot! :)
Author's reply
LOL... oh my, that would be something, Ferdinand meeting a Balrog! I wonder what he'd have to say. *g* He does go on... and on.. and on... our Ferdinand.
And I'm sure Aragorn's right in thinking that Halbarad and Denlad would be mortified if they heart themselves described the way Ferdinand did. Those two don't strike me as being overly concerned with their good looks. *g*
Yes, it's a consensus: I'm a mean, evil author! *g* But I won't leave everyone hanging too long, fear not. At least not when it comes to finding out Denlad and Halbarad's fate... I make no promises for the rest of the story, however. *evil grin*
Thanks for the review!
. . . . That is so vindictive, leaving it there. There is about to be an author/reader smack down, dude. ;3
I like how the hobbit describes why people consider so many things legends, I agree with the sentiments. :)
Lol! Aragorn, poor guy trying so hard to be nice, while not throwing up, and keep the perky hobbit on track, while still trying not to throw up! lol.
GAH! You kick their butts Halbarad and Denlad! If only I could find out what happens SOONER. . . .wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Bribe? ;)
Hope life is awesome,
MP
Author's reply
LOL!! Oh no, not a smack down! I do sympathize, though; I know I left it off at a truly AUUUUUGGGHHH moment and take full responsibility for my evil actions. *g*
I'm so glad you brought up Ferdinand's reasonings about legends... that's one of my favorite things he says, because it does seem that it's easier to assign things to myth than to consider bad things to be true. And with hobbits being the reclusive, peace-loving people they are, it seems they might very well think that way.
I'll get the next chapter up in a couple of days... I know Halbarad and Denlad appreciate your cheering them one! And yes, life is indeed awesome--thanks for the review!
BeeGee
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
*Gawk*!!! What a cliffie, wasn't expecting that! Good thing Ferdinand didn't wave, LOL. I'm really enjoying this "unusual" pairing, and our hobbit is perfect. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you, BeeGee! I'm glad you're enjoying this... and good point! Ferdinand definitely doesn't need to call attention to them up there on the clifftop. I'm glad you're liking Aragorn and a hobbit... and Halbarad and Denlad. I do like mixing up the characters a bit. :) Thanks again for the review!
Elflingimp
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
What a delightful tale you are weaving!, I am enjoying it greatly. Can't wait for the next update. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you, Imp! I'm glad you're enjoying this... next chapter up toward the middle to the end of the week. :) Thanks again!
curiouswombat
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
Oh dear, indeed! I do like your hobbit - he is quite wonderful - I feel as if he is probably related to my family in some distant way...
Author's reply
LOL! Thank you... I think we probably all have a Ferdinand or two lurking in the family tree, the one who talks nonstop at family gatherings and has a heart of gold. If not, then everyone should, I think. Thank you for the review!
Ellynn
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
You are evil. How can you do this to us? End chapter in such a moment? *drama*
Ok, let's be serious now. :p Yes, I like the chapter. Ferdinand is so cute and irresistible in his talkative hobbit way. And your descriptions and metaphors are excellent. I love your writing style.
Author's reply
Thank you, Ellynn! I'm glad you're willing to put up with the cliffhangers... this story will have a lot, I'm afraid!
I'm glad you like Ferdinand... he really is a comical little fellow, but has such a good heart. Aragorn's in good hands.
Glad you like the way I write... I do like to be as descriptive as I can without going overboard.
Thanks again for your review!
Dreamflower
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
I will echo Ferdinand here: "Oh dear!"
I hope they have no problem dispatching their attackers! And I hope even more that Aragorn does not try and rush to their aid and make himself worse.
Ferdinand is a shrewd little fellow, even if he does talk endlessly, like another Took we know. I really like how easily his conversation is sidetracked by discussion of gardens or Bilbo or whatever!
I hope that we see how Halbarad and Denlad handle the brigands soon!
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower! I seem to have elicited a lot of "oh dears" from everyone with this chapter. *g*
Ferdinand definitely has a tongue that easily goes astray, much to Aragorn's consternation. Fortunately he does come back on point eventually--I've known people who stray off an never come back around to what they were saying and that's a torture I wouldn't want to inflict on poor Aragorn!
The next chapter will be up in a few days. Thanks again for the review!
Fantasia
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
Oh Dear! Oh Dear! What happened? You just start to relax and them those rangers get in trouble...I think that Ferdinand will have an ER soon, more patients coming in his way.
I can feel Aragorn frustation with Ferdinand... I was laughing so hard...
Waiting for more...Thak you
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I was hoping readers would get a chuckle from Aragorn's frustration. He's normally so in control of any situation, but when it comes to hobbits, not so much. :) And yes, now to see what happens to poor Halbarad and Denlad...
Thanks for the review!
Marethiel
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
Cruel! 'Tis CRUEL, I say!
Poor Aragorn... I love this author's writing no matter what, but this one really got me:
"He felt unutterably weary and ill and sore, and childish though it may be, he suddenly wanted more than anything for Lord Elrond to walk into their camp to take care of him. Ferdinand Took’s prowess at healing was astounding but, well, there was simply no greater healer than Lord Elrond. He shut his eyes as a great lump set itself up in his throat, and no matter how sternly he told himself to grow up, stop being ridiculous, it refused to budge."
Awwwww...
I'm absolutely loving Ferdinand... I'm trying to mentally put together a Took family tree... where is he as regards our beloved Peregrine?
Great story; compelling, humorous and utterly human... or, well, Tookish!
:-)
Marethiel
Author's reply
Thank you, Marethiel! I'm glad you're enjoying this, even if it does feel a bit like cruel and unusual punishment. *g*
I had the feeling that Aragorn, no matter how old and brave he became, probably had moments of wishing Elrond was around... it's only human nature, after all. I'm glad that moment got to you!
As for Ferdinand and the family tree... he'd probably be some sort of, um, distant uncle? distant cousin? to Peregrin, I think. I'm not a huge expert on family trees, though (obviously I'm *not* a hobbit!), so take that for what it's worth!
Thanks for the review!
utfrog
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
Here I am reading a lovely story and you end with a terrible cliff-hanger! Sure hope you have the next chapter ready soon. I love your hobbit!
Author's reply
Thank you, utfrog! Yes, it is almost literally a cliffhanger, isn't it, with Ferdinand perched up there watching down below. The next chapter will be up midweek, so not too much time to wait. The story is finished so it's just a matter of going through the technical details of posting each chapter. I'm glad you like Ferdinand. Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
I enjoyed chapter three very, very much. The more I know your Ferdinand, the more I get to like him. He is such an enjoyable character and such a wise hobbit. And what a talker! When it comes to talking, not even Ioreth can beat him. LOL
I loved your physical conception of Halbarad. Elven fair, that's how I've always imagined him and Aragorn to be.
And knowing you I should have guessed, like I almost did, that something was going to happen to prevent Halbarad and Denlad from meeting Aragorn. LOL
Fingers crossed we won't have to wait long to read chapter four.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! Yes, Ferdinand is quite a talker... Aragorn's convinced he doesn't actually need to breathe. *g* And I've always seen Halbarad as looking just about as noble as Aragorn, so it was fun to throw in a bit of detail about how he looked. It's hard to do that when you work with all male characters so much, because they don't generally pay much attention to that sort of thing.
Not much longer before the next update. Midweek or perhaps Thursday. :) Thanks for the review!
*grumbles about authors and their cliffhangers*
I really love your Ferdinand character. This is going to be veery cool, I can tell =D.
Author's reply
Hee hee... I would say I'm sorry about the cliffie, but well, I'm not. *g* I'm glad you like Ferdinand, though! Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
My Ferdi is quite at home visiting Bag End, also, although he's not quite as loquzcious as Pippin! Definitely a Took--talkative but perceptive. And it sounds as if they have the best seat in the house for watching the coming fight! Heh!
Love the deep roots for the athelas--very fitting!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner... glad you caught that little detail about the athelas. :) I figure there might be some symbolic connections between athelas and the Heir of Isildur.
And yes, talkative and perceptive is a perfect description of Ferdinand. Thanks for the review!
shirebound
· 2 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
Oh dear! *bites nails*
But someone in the community must be the crackpot and it seems the role suits me. It
I just love that. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound! I like to think that Ferdinand is more than a wee bit proud to be the eccentric one. :)
Minerva Organa
· 1 November 2009
· Chapter 2: Concern and Consternation
Bwahaha. Halbarad and Denlad. My day is complete. So glad they're in this story too!
Author's reply
Oooh, I made your day complete! Yay! Yes, Denlad and Halbarad feature in this as much as Aragorn and Ferdinand, so enjoy. :) Thanks for the review!
Minerva Organa
· 1 November 2009
· Chapter 1: A Strange Encounter
I'm so glad I finally got a chance to sit down and read this! It's wonderful...can't wait for more!
"How do you know that?"
"Tookishness."
*snort*
Tookishness indeed...we all could do with a bit more of that! XD
Author's reply
Thanks, Minerva! I'm glad you're getting a chance to read this, and doubly glad you're enjoying the humor in it. *g*
Silivren Tinu
· 30 October 2009
· Chapter 2: Concern and Consternation
I was wondering if Halbarad would show up in this story. I should have known that no one would be able to keep him away. ;-) Halbarad really has good instincts where Aragorn is concerned. I wish I could tell Halbarad and Denlad that Aragorn has already been rescued... kind of. *g* I liked the refence to "At Hope's Edge" and I'm beginning to think being a ranger really wouldn't be good for my nerves, lol. I wouldn't want to have to worry about a Nazgul or something just as nasty and dangerous leaping at me from any shadows. *shiver* Somehow I think Halbarad and Denlad will be quite surprised when they finally find their missing chieftain - pleasantly suprised, I hope, if a certain author doesn't have other plans. Loved it! :D
Author's reply
Me? Have other plans? *blinks innocently* Why ever would you think I had other plans?
Ahem. Thanks for the review! Yes, Halbarad had to show up... at this point in their lives, they were likely all by joined at the hip. And where Halbarad shows up, so does Denlad, even if he does have to twist Halbarad's arm a bit. *g* And no, my nerves couldn't take being a Ranger, either, I don't think. Glad you enjoyed this! Thanks again!
Ellynn
· 30 October 2009
· Chapter 2: Concern and Consternation
This is great! Your writing style is excellent, and the story is very interesting and tense; while reading, I feel like watching a great thriller movie. I'm looking forward for more. :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I like knowing that my stories are vivid enough to feel almost like movies... that's the kind of story I enjoy reading, so to hear it from others about my own is very encouraging! Thanks again!
Midnight Promise
· 29 October 2009
· Chapter 2: Concern and Consternation
*blinks, looks up* Where is the rest? o-o *mutters about evil authors* ;)
Yay! More rangers, woot woot! :D Awesome job, can't wait for more!
-MP
Author's reply
Hee hee... have to wait for more. :) Thank you for the review... more on Monday!