Larner
· 19 September 2025
· Chapter 24: I meet a new Friend
I love seeing Radagast here. I'm glad he was in the western area rather than near Mirkwood so he could arrive to assist Bill in time to keep him from becoming lame. Also love the memories of Pippin complaining about the thorns they'd been in earlier in the quest. He's providing a context to explain the pricking of the needle as the stitches are set.
I'm glad he and Radagast are doing well together. The realization that Radagast is from the same source as Gandalf is important. I love the intelligence that Bill shows and the ability to properly evaluate those he is with.
Thanks so for this.
Btw, there are indeed far more hits than I'd expect to see in the short time these stories have been restored to the site.
Author's reply
Thank you for answering my question. Either readership has seen a significant uptake, or something else is going on. The admin is aware of the issue now.
I remember when I was much younger, I had a nightmare that involved intense abdominal pain. The pain was still there when I woke up – I had a bad stomach bug, it seemed, and my body inserted it into my dream, perhaps in an effort to alert me to the problem.
Thanks so much for hitting the highlights as you saw them! I appreciate hearing your perspective and seeing the chapter through new eyes.
shirebound
· 17 September 2025
· Chapter 28: Without warning, we are overtaken by disaster
Oh my, what's coming? Or is Shadowfax reacting to something only he can sense? Eeee, these horse-y cliffhangers!
Author's reply
There's a hint in this chapter, and things will become clearer in the next chapter, due to post on Friday.
Is Shadowfax reacting to something only he can sense? That is a very perceptive question!
Thanks so much for reading and pausing long enough to share your thoughts.
Author Reply: (Sorry about the new cliffhanger. But some resolution should come Monday, I hope.)
KathyG
· 16 September 2025
· Chapter 28: Without warning, we are overtaken by disaster
Oh, my! What in the name of Heaven is happening?! Does Shadowfax know something that Bill doesn't, by any chance? Do tell!
Author's reply
More to come on Friday, if all goes well. Think good thoughts, if you don't mind.
Lady Forlong
· 14 September 2025
· Chapter 27: Speaking of hobbits and stories and ways to pass the miles...
"Make haste more slowly" - A hobbity thing to say LOL
And when we talk about Gandalf and hobbits, we're not sure who taught what to who.
Making hay while the sun shines would certainly be an "agreeable notion" to a horse or a pony.
"If the great horse cannot count the days in a month, then what hope does a pony have to do so?" I hope Bill's not getting back into the habit of thinking of himself as "less than" because he's "only a pony." I thought he got over that many chapters ago. I guess old habits die hard.
Never a dull moment, indeed.
And yes it's easy for hobbits, dwarves, and Wizards to fly if they have Eagles to help -- I'm supposing that's the story Shadowfax is about to tell. Although I always wondered if Radagast could do it by shapeshifting into a bird. I don't know what else Gandalf's comment about "a master of shapes and changes of hue" could mean.
Author's reply
When I first thought about it, "Make haste more slowly" sounded more Entish than anything else. But I can also easily see Frodo saying it to young Merry, and Merry saying it to young Pippin when the young one is tripping all over himself in his eagerness to do whatever.
I'm looking forward to the time when Bill will have as much hay as he wants, and "plenty more where that came from".
Bill's thoughts about counting don't reflect feeling inferior but rather acknowledging the reality that Shadowfax, the Chief of the Mearas, can understand Men's speech better than most other equines, and he can count higher than Bill. And even Shadowfax has his limitations; as I've written him, he acknowledges that even he cannot count to 28.
An early draft of the story had Radagast appearing and leaving in the form of a giant bird, but when I re-read the few mentions I could find of the wizard, it struck me that he had a horse! And so, in the revision, he's riding his horse this side of the Mountains. At least at the moment he is.
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to share your insightful thoughts! You've made my day.
shirebound
· 13 September 2025
· Chapter 27: Speaking of hobbits and stories and ways to pass the miles...
The great horse tosses his head, whickering his amusement. It must be quite diverting to travel with them.
And he will! It's fun to imagine Shadowfax's POV when Gandalf and Pippin will ride upon him to Gondor.
Author's reply
I hadn't even thought of that! What a marvellous thought to contemplate! I wonder what Shadowfax would make of the following snippet of conversation?
‘But I should like to know—’ Pippin began.
‘Mercy!’ cried Gandalf. ‘If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?’
‘The names of all the stars, and of all living things, and the whole history of Middle-earth and Over-heaven and of the Sundering Seas,’ laughed Pippin. ‘Of course! What less? But I am not in a hurry tonight.’
Thanks for reading and stopping long enough to leave such delightful food for thought!
KathyG
· 12 September 2025
· Chapter 27: Speaking of hobbits and stories and ways to pass the miles...
LOL! Someone needs to tell Shadowfax about Pegasus! =)
All kidding aside, I'm glad that Gandalf doesn't need Shadowfax yet. Bill is clearly in no decent shape to travel alone, and at least Shadowfax can keep his mind occupied en route, as he's doing now.
Author's reply
Funnily enough, I was thinking of Pegasus at the time! (Middle-earth doesn't have any winged horses, or does it? Not that I've heard of, anyhow.)
According to Tolkien's timeline, Gandalf won't need Shadowfax for quite some time yet... which means, thankfully, that Bill will have a guide and bodyguard while he's regaining his strength, just what he needs right now, along with good company and companionship.
Lady Forlong
· 9 September 2025
· Chapter 26: Though parting is painful, we are on our way again
This is a delightful chapter from start to finish, but so sorry to see Radagast go. Nothing in canon about what he was doing after he met Gandalf near the Shire, so you've got a nice gap-filler there, but still with some mystery. What else was he doing after he left Bill? Maybe another story in there somewhere...
I wonder if Radagast's comment is a prophecy about that time during one of the battles (Pelennor, if I remember correctly?) when Shadowfax was the only horse that didn't run away from the Nazgul?
And BTW, thanks for the tip about jodancingtree. No, I hadn't read any of her(?) stuff yet, but I've got her bookmarked now and hope to do so soon.
Author's reply
I was also sorry to see Radagast go... It would have been so nice to enjoy his company all the way to Bree. I should imagine that the incursion of dark things on the Northlands might keep him quite busy, being a tender of beasts as he is.
The question about Radagast's comment is quite insightful. It is, in fact, a prophecy of sorts, as you guessed.
I hope you enjoy Jo's stories. If I'm remembering right, a lot of my ideas about Shire customs and practices found their seeds in her descriptions in Sam's Rose, especially her depiction of the Lithedays' Fair. Her additions to my story Runaway also gave me a lot of food for thought and helped me improve my writing style. For example, Jo (like Dreamflower) excelled at including details (such as descriptions of food, smells, textures, sounds) that bring a scene to life when reading one of her chapters.
Erulissé
· 8 September 2025
· Chapter 26: Though parting is painful, we are on our way again
"Suddenly, overcome by wistfulness, I rest my face against his abdomen. I do not wish to be parted, I whisper.
You would like to come with me? my Friend says gently, rubbing me under my jaw. Indeed, I would find your company welcome!
He smiles at the thought, then sobers, leaving off his caresses and lifting my chin in his hand to look me in the eye as he adds in a lower tone, But then, I fear, you would never come to be reunited with your beloved Sam again! For our journeys lie along different paths...
Though the thought of never seeing my Sam again is unthinkable, I am truly distressed at parting from this Friend I have learned to love so deeply, even in the brief time we have spent together.
Will I never see you again? I ask, half-closing my eyes in my sorrow and pressing my head against him once more.
The brown wizard chuckles softly. Never is too long a time even for one like myself to contemplate, he says gently. My advice to you, Child, is to go to your Sam, that he may join you in your "for-ever-more".
I am not sure what this means, though it sounds like a long time to me. But the brown one is still talking... It is always possible that our paths will cross again someday, should you and your Sam wander into the same path I am following for a time...
I nod against his stomach, and then I lift my head away to look him in the eye. So shall I hope, I say."
Oh poor, sweet, lovely, Bill. He is so precious, a balm to the soul. I have been remiss in leaving comments, but I shall have to make it up. I don't have very much to say about this chapter, except that it absolutely warmed my heart and brought tears to my eyes. I love the way you've written Radagast. Thank you for the lovely gift!
Author's reply
You're quite welcome, and thanks so much for the encouraging words! You've brightened my day. (((hugs)))
KathyG
· 8 September 2025
· Chapter 26: Though parting is painful, we are on our way again
I know that eventually, Shadowfax will have to leave Bill to rejoin Gandalf in Rohan, but I hope that Bill will be back in or near the Breelands first, as I said. I hope that can fit into canon! (Can you tell that I don't want poor Bill to be alone again for any longer than he absolutely has to be?)
Author's reply
I've worked out the timeline very carefully to fit within canon. Bless you for your concern for Sam's faithful pony! It is good to keep in mind what Tolkien wrote about him, which is why I was able to write this story in the first place. :)
shirebound
· 8 September 2025
· Chapter 26: Though parting is painful, we are on our way again
And then they lower their heads again and push their noses against him, seeking comfort and caresses. Which he seems happy to provide.
Of course I must also have my share of stroking, and so I push forward to join the happy throng.
What a lovely moment for all of them.
Author's reply
These three chapters have provided a welcome respite! I'm glad you're enjoying it along with the rest of us (Bill, the two horses, the brown wizard, and me).
Thanks!
KathyG
· 8 September 2025
· Chapter 26: Though parting is painful, we are on our way again
At least, Bill has sufficiently recovered to resume his travels. And though Radagast may have to leave them, I'm glad that Shadowfax is still with Bill. (And with that said, please don't be in too big of a hurry to separate them! Bill needs Shadowfax--preferably until he's at or near the Breelands!)
Author's reply
He does need Shadowfax, as Radagast has foreseen. I think if the brown wizard didn't have other matters to take care of, he would have travelled with them for a few days, at least. Together, though, a plucky pony and a great horse can accomplish quite a bit – as they already have so far!
Thanks for reading and taking the time to share your thoughts! I have one more chapter in another story to finish editing, and then I'm going to take a day off to do some reading. At least, that's the plan!
KathyG
· 6 September 2025
· Chapter 25: Some thoughts on wizards
Something tells me they haven't missed a thing, not meeting Saruman!
Thank goodness Bill's mending so nicely!
You mean to tell me that Radagast doesn't keep a bird's nest underneath his hat in your story? =)
You should see his characterization in our story, Dreamflower's and mine! (Yep, he has a role in "An Unexpected Adventure.)
Author's reply
Oh! I don't remember reading about Radagast in your story! I'm looking forward to seeing him there!
Something tells me Bill would take a dim view of Saruman. Of course, he'll have a chance to see him when the Traveller's return to the Shire...
Author Reply: (silly autocorrect! Why would it change Travellers to Traveller's, I ask you?)
shirebound
· 6 September 2025
· Chapter 25: Some thoughts on wizards
It's a delight to see and learn through Bill's thoughts and perceptions.
Author's reply
Thank you! I hope you and yours had a good Labor Day weekend.
(I'm so glad that Labor Day does not involve fireworks...)
shirebound
· 6 September 2025
· Chapter 24: I meet a new Friend
Lie as still as you can, dear child. Loving concern permeates the words – subtly, like the smell of sunshine and sweetly-scented breezes that wafted from the clothes my hobbits wore while we rested in that marvellous Valley.
That's so lovely. Three cheers for the healing powers of not-so-Tall-Hat!
Lady Forlong
· 5 September 2025
· Chapter 25: Some thoughts on wizards
"Voice warm as summer ... eyes cold as the winter wind." Now there's a beautiful description of Saruman the White.
Author's reply
Thanks!
Dogs are great judges of character, in my experience. I've wondered at times if horses and ponies have a similar ability.
Lady Forlong
· 5 September 2025
· Chapter 24: I meet a new Friend
I was wondering if or when Radagast was going to show up. When he's most needed, of course. We didn't get enough of him in the books and the movie version was too kooky as far as I'm concerned. I like your version better. And Bill recognizes him as a Wizard. I get a kick out of the progression of names -- not-Tall-Hat -> Brown One -> and he finally settles on "Friend." I liked that one best too.
Author's reply
I think the movie version of Radagast was meant to provide comic relief, perhaps. He didn't fit my early impression from reading the book. Though Saruman disdained him as "the Bird-tamer... the Simple... the Fool", Gandalf was rather more complimentary in his description: "Radagast is, of course, a worthy Wizard, a master of shapes and changes of hue; and he has much lore of herbs and beasts, and birds are especially his friends." (I admit I am intrigued by the "master of shapes and changes of hue" part.) "kooky" is a good word to describe Peter Jackson's Radagast. I'm glad you like my version!
Have you ever read jodancingtree's stories Another Way of Leaving and Following the Other Wizard posted here on SoA? I remember enjoying her version of Radagast very much. I'm looking forward to re-reading those stories once I've finished Bill's story. (I try not to overlap my reading and writing to avoid accidentally presenting someone else's ideas as my own, outside of Tolkien whose ideas I am obviously reflecting.)
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and some of the things you liked!
KathyG
· 3 September 2025
· Chapter 24: I meet a new Friend
Well, happily, his stories (most of them--not even his collection was spared by the hacker!) are still posted on Stories of Arda. Here is the link, if you'd like to check them out!
Fiondil
Author's reply
Thank you! I know I loved the Elf Academy stories. I'm sure I'll enjoy his other stories as well.
KathyG
· 1 September 2025
· Chapter 24: I meet a new Friend
So is that idea about the Ainur in any particular story, or is it a theme that runs through multiple works?
In Fiondil's head canon, yes!
Author's reply
Fascinating. I wish I'd had the chance to get to know Arthur. From what I've heard, he was a wonderful, kind and generous person.
KathyG
· 30 August 2025
· Chapter 24: I meet a new Friend
BTW, in the late Fiondil's head canon, the Ainur were the Children of Eru's thought. So, if Gandalf and Radagast are cousins, they are the cousins of His thought.
Author's reply
Fiondil's stories are on my reading list... I read all the Elf Academy stories, but not much else. Although Elf Interrupted is also Fiondil's, isn't it? I read that one, too. I'm told that some of Fiondil's stories got deleted in the January hack. I'd love to see them restored.
So is that idea about the Ainur in any particular story, or is it a theme that runs through multiple works?
Thanks for this intriguing bit of food for thought!
KathyG
· 30 August 2025
· Chapter 24: I meet a new Friend
So, Radagast has come to Bill's aid. Wonderful! Blood poisoning would have been such a terrible way to go.
Author's reply
You're right about that: blood poisoning is awful. Especially considering they don't have antibiotics. (Maybe athelas is "the next best thing"?)
I was so excited when I realized I could bring Radagast into this story within the constraints established by the original story and timeline! He's not drawn from the movie version at all, and I don't think I've copied JoDancingTree's ideas, but I have done my best to come up with a believable original character that still reflects everything (little as it may be) JRRT wrote about him.
Thanks so much for reading and pausing to share your thoughts!
Larner
· 26 August 2025
· Chapter 23: Getting back on my feet
Carrying with him these memories that keep him tied to his Hobbits aid in his healing and the ability to carry on with his current jury.
Author's reply
Considering the research on mindfulness and mindsets, I think you've got something there. The fact that Bill's mind is fixed on his hobbits (both his memories of them and his determination to reunite with them) probably has a physiological impact in keeping him going.
Thanks! (I saw your other lovely reviews but haven't had the energy before today to do much replying. I'm hoping to spend the holiday weekend mostly reading fanfic and replying to reviews; doesn't that sound like a mini-vacation in itself?)
KathyG
· 25 August 2025
· Chapter 23: Getting back on my feet
Question is, will he continue to feel like a whole new pony? I hope he's on the mend!
Author's reply
Things are looking up, I'm glad to say!
Thanks for reading and stopping to leave some encouraging thoughts. I've finally got some energy back, and I'm really looking forward to diving into more fanfic-reading this weekend! Here's hoping "real life" cooperates...
Lady Forlong
· 25 August 2025
· Chapter 23: Getting back on my feet
"Watch where you're walking and walk where you're watching." Good advice!
"Hobbits are able to recover quickly after being crushed to crumbs." Poor "Youngest" doesn't yet know the half of it.
I still love "not-so-Merry's" mood swings as seen by Bill.
In just one way, Bill is lucky. Usually fever dreams are not so helpful. Ok, two ways, because Shadowfax. Ok, three ways, because Sam. Maybe I could think of more -- like at least he didn't end up like that poor horse in his memories.
Author's reply
(I can't tell you how many times one or another brother snapped that piece of "good advice" at me when we were kids... Some big brothers are the impatient sort.) Alas, poor Youngest; a little foreshadowing goes a long way, I find.
Bill has a long list of blessings, for sure! Another one I can think of is Gandalf's words of guard and guiding, and I'm sure there are plenty more.
Hearing that you still love Bill's ever-changing names for Merry made me smile.
Thanks for reading and stopping to share your thoughts!
shirebound
· 25 August 2025
· Chapter 23: Getting back on my feet
I cannot see them surrounding me. But their voices sound in my ears and within my heart, urging me onwards.
This is so special. Bill's fever-dreams bring him hope and strength.
Author's reply
I couldn't see him making it back to Bree if his fever-dreams were the bad kind. If he has to be out of his head, let him dream of hobbits: that was the line of thinking I was following along this part of his journey.
Thanks so much for your encouragement!
Lady Forlong
· 25 August 2025
· Chapter 22: The journey becomes ever more difficult, but help is at hand
Finally he gets to lie down in the nice cool mud. If I were him, I would have lain down a long time ago whether I thought I'd ever get up again or not. Good thing Bill's got more determination than I do or he probably would have been dead a long time ago.
I hope things get better for him soon.
Author's reply
There's a light at the end of the tunnel...
Ponies can be wondrously stubborn beasts. In Bill's case, this quality works in his favor. (Along with the sustaining memories of his hobbits, of course!) He's much braver than I am, for sure.
Thanks for reading and stopping long enough to share your thoughts.