Erulissé
· 13 June 2025
· Chapter 10: Idle talk about talk; it helps pass the miles
“I am only a pony, I begin.
No "only" about it! my Companion says sharply.
Startled, I jump, expecting a nip to follow after.
But the great horse only snorts softly, and then says, “My apologies, little one. You are a pony, and that is the absolute truth, but you have no cause to apologize for that fact. From what I was able to perceive of my Rider's mind when he reached out to me to send me to your side, you have no cause to apologize at all, whether for your small stature or for your very understandable confusion when some topic comes up that is beyond your ken.”
Most horses and ponies of my acquaintance could not be described as being long-winded. In contrast, this is rather a long thought to work my way through, but in the end, I nod and say the only thing that comes to mind: ‘Apologies accepted.’”
Such wisdom. It is a lesson I know I need to keep in mind, and I also know people who could also benefit from this teaching. How lovely. I have really enjoyed watching Bill grow and learn, becoming more confident. I loved Asfaloth and Merrylegs, and now Shadowfax, teaching him, and guiding him, and helping him grow. It is so beautiful. Bill is really coming into his own. I hope we will be able to see him interacting with Shadowfax again at the end of the journey when Gandalf rides with the hobbits back to the Shire. It will be interesting to see if/how each of them has grown and changed like their riders.
Author's reply
Poor Bill. He had a good foundation with his dam and the old man who owned them, but his time with Bill Ferny shook his confidence and made him feel small and helpless despite his plucky spirit and great heart. He has learned an awful lot over the past few months, and even though he doesn't recognize how much he's grown in wisdom and understanding, I think Shadowfax will provide him a proper "mirror" of sorts to see himself in.
Hopefully I'm making sense; I rather overdosed on chocolate today, a relatively rare occurrence. (But incredibly satisfying...)
Thanks so much for reading and pausing long enough to share your thoughts! I very much appreciate it.
Lady Forlong
· 12 June 2025
· Chapter 9: At last I am able to quench my thirst
Too bad he's not going to have Shadowfax all the way, because sooner or later Gandalf is going to need his horse again. But I suppose the "Voices" will be back then. Either way, I'm glad Bill is getting some help along the way.
Author's reply
You make several excellent points!
Many thanks for reading and pausing to share your thoughts. I find reviews so encouraging.
KathyG
· 12 June 2025
· Chapter 9: At last I am able to quench my thirst
Hey, you should include a link to The Tenth Walker in your story summary! That way, those who haven't read it yet can do so before reading this one, if they choose.
Author's reply
Thanks for the suggestion! I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it work, but it did. Whew!
shirebound
· 10 June 2025
· Chapter 9: At last I am able to quench my thirst
Hooray for a delicious and reviving drink!
Something tells me that my Hobbits will seek to return to that marvellous Valley, and I intend to be there to welcome them when they arrive at last.
Dear Bill, what an encouraging foresight.
Author's reply
Blessed Bill. He's quite wise; he remembers the connection between his hobbits and the old pet, making the Valley the most likely place to find them again.
It was such a relief when Bill quenched his thirst! Every time I pick up my flask of ice and water these days, I savor the taste and refreshing feeling in part because poor Bill was thirsty for such a long time!
Thanks so much for reading and pausing to share your thoughts!
KathyG
· 9 June 2025
· Chapter 9: At last I am able to quench my thirst
All right, Shadowfax, you stay right at Bill's side until he's back in Bree and under Butterbur's care!
I love how Shadowfax is looking after Bill and protecting him from harming himself. Hmm, I wonder. Will Bill even need the Voices with Shadowfax there to guide and look after him?
Author's reply
Well, it's not all smooth going, or Bill wouldn't have been "skinny as a rail" when he arrived in Bree... So he probably can use all the help that's available... At least JRRT wrote about his fate, which I found quite reassuring when writing this second half of his story.
Thanks!
Larner
· 8 June 2025
· Chapter 8: Many things become clearer in the morning light
Yes, Shadowfax, called to aid Bill as he can. Love the comparison of this battle to the former one, with these wolves revealed to be natural ones.
And Shadowfax's recognition of Tall Hat as his chosen Rider, one who'd won his respect--that was masterful!
Now, to figure out where "BACK" might be.
Author's reply
Thankfully daylight removes any doubt. Hopefully it's plausible that Gandalf could reach Shadowfax's mind from so far away. I suppose, alternatively, Gandalf might have communed with Radagast, and the Brown Wizard might have conveyed Gandalf's message to the horse, either personally or through a bird courier.
Thanks so much for all the lovely reviews you've left me. They're both encouraging and provide additional food for thought.
(As far as "back", Bill is kind of figuring out things as he goes along, as we'll see in future chapters.)
Larner
· 8 June 2025
· Chapter 7: Safe for the moment, I rest and ponder
A fascinating story for young Bill to have heard. It certainly challenged his imagination of Rangers being all lone wanderers about the Breelands.
That Bill came of Ranger ponies stock is fascinating, and explains how he came to have his great heart. Well thought out!
Author's reply
Thank you!
Since the Professor didn't give us much background on Bill, I took the liberty of imagining a bit of family history for him. (I wonder if young Arathorn learned to ride on one of Bill's ancestors?)
Larner
· 8 June 2025
· Chapter 6: I find hope unlooked for, aid unexpected
I suspect it is Shadowfax who is beside him now. I love the comfort given, the reassurance Bill did properly. Now to rest, as the wolves have disappeared after the coming of Bill's savior and companion. Now to rest indeed, so as to find water and food in the coming day.
Author's reply
I think you are right. The twilight color and later invisibility in the darkness are supposed to provide a clue of some sort or other.
The plan of action is pretty much as you've imagined it.
Thanks for coming along on the journey!
Larner
· 8 June 2025
· Chapter 5: I follow the dry riverbed in hopes of water; a fool's hope, perhaps?
I believe that, yes, he was heading the right way already.
What king of help is on its way? Perhaps a silver horse, fit for the grey wixard? I hopefully hope so! Heh!
Author's reply
He-hee! Such fun to contemplate!
Thanks!
Larner
· 8 June 2025
· Chapter 4: I follow my nose
He has followed several paths now--how the company came to the doors of Durin, the way being shut, Pippin's ability to awaken Frodo's humor, remembering being dosed in Rivendell, foreshadowing Aragorn and his companions reaching the Paths of the Dead, and now seeking to find water and food in the wilderness....
Poor, lost pony....
Author's reply
Poor wandering soul. These chapters were some of the hardest to write.
Thanks!
Larner
· 8 June 2025
· Chapter 3: I... we? ...solve a pressing problem
The description of the remembered conversation between Frodo and Pippin is wonderful, as is the prompt to look and so find the water bottle and figuring out how to get his drink, as unsatisfactory as it proved in satisfying his thirst.
Now, is he willing to retrace his steps and jump over the foul stream to get back to more hospitable haunts?
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed the conversation. Bill's hobbits have become such a part of him by now...
After carefully perusing all the maps of the area I could find, it looks like the only possible path is to do exactly what you described!
Thanks!
Larner
· 8 June 2025
· Chapter 2: I search for answers
I bless Gandalf for laying the Voices on Bill. Again, foreshadowing from RoTK! The Way is shut!
At least we know neither he nor Aragorn and his companions died. Now, to find his way out of that narrow space. Hope he can find something to drink!
Author's reply
Exactly. Foreshadowing Sam begging Frodo not to go where he can't follow, as well as the Paths of the Dead. (I wonder who the "tall and kingly old man" who was "aged beyond guess of years" was?)
Thank you for reading and pausing long enough to share your thoughts!
Larner
· 3 June 2025
· Chapter 1: Alone!
I love Bill and his thoughts of his beloved Sam. Reminiscent of Sam grieving when he thought his beloved Master had gone where he could not follow--not at that point, at least.
Author's reply
That was exactly what I was thinking about when I put this chapter together. I'm glad it came through.
(((hugs)))
Thanks!
shirebound
· 3 June 2025
· Chapter 8: Many things become clearer in the morning light
He said that all of Middle-earth owes you a great debt, my Companion says, bowing down to me for a brief moment.
Oh my, what an incredible moment for Bill that he could never have imagined. I feel much relieved now!
Author's reply
Since Bill didn't get all the way to Cormallen, it seemed right to give him a small "Cormallen" moment of his own. I'm glad you're feeling relieved! There are still a few ups and downs before they reach their destination, but help is at hand.
Thanks! (((hugs)))
Leithian
· 3 June 2025
· Chapter 8: Many things become clearer in the morning light
Dear Lindelea
How are you? My papers have just ended, (last exam ended 2 hours ago) and I'm back. It is so nice to be back, there is so much to read on SoA, and I am especially excited to follow Bill as he makes his way back home.
Just dropped in to see you, I'll read and drop a longer review later.
Till then
Author's reply
I'm well, thanks! We are on the brink of a heat wave, but today is lovely and relatively cool and drizzly. How are you doing? I remember the relief of the last paper... the last exam... and then a break, even if it meant I'd be working full-time until the next semester began.
It's good to hear from you! I'm looking forward to your impressions when you have the time.
(((hugs)))
KathyG
· 2 June 2025
· Chapter 8: Many things become clearer in the morning light
Shadowfax! It was Shadowfax who saved Bill from the Wargs, wasn't it? And now, Shadowfax will guide Bill to safety--to Rivendell, perhaps, as well as eventually back to Bree. I like that! This way, Bill won't have to find his own way back, all alone.
Author's reply
Exactly right! I'm glad my solution works. I have to tell you, I was so excited when I worked through the story's timeline and the Tale of Years and realized it was plausible...
Thanks so much for reading and pausing to leave your thoughts!
shirebound
· 30 May 2025
· Chapter 7: Safe for the moment, I rest and ponder
It's so interesting to learn more of Bill's life story.
I hope he gets a drink of clean, plentiful water soon, and a good meal! Poor thing.
Author's reply
(((hugs)))
It shouldn't be too long before Gandalf's guiding brings Bill to sweet water and green grass... Bless the old wizard for the parting gift he gave to the faithful pony.
I'm glad Bill's story (and ancestry) sounds reasonable!
Thanks so much for reading and pausing long enough to share your thoughts. I'm always glad to hear from you and hope this note finds you well.
KathyG
· 23 May 2025
· Chapter 6: I find hope unlooked for, aid unexpected
Whoa! It sure looked as if poor Bill was going to suffer the fate that Sam feared would be his. He fought well, and that's a fact.
I want to know who came to his rescue! An angel?
Author's reply
Things will become clearer in the next chapter!
(Gandalf is sort of an angel-type, I think I've seen that idea in An Unexpected Adventure, as I seem to remember? My coffee has not yet kicked in, making the brain fuzzy at best. So by extension, I think you could attribute Bill's rescue to angelic influence, actually.)
Thanks!
Lady Forlong
· 23 May 2025
· Chapter 6: I find hope unlooked for, aid unexpected
One pony against how many wolves?!? I lost count, but no fair. And who is this mysterious horse? You're going to keep us in suspense until the next chapter, also no fair. But your mention of Radagast in your previous reply is intriguing... Meanwhile, I guess you can't count on wolves or authors to play fair ;)
Author's reply
Bill learned a few fighting tricks up on the hilltop when those earlier wolves attacked. He also has the words of guard and guiding this time (perhaps not quite the same as four Hobbits, an Elf, a Dwarf, two Men and a Wizard). Lastly, he was fighting for his life; you can imagine the adrenalin surge!
Considering the journey Bill must undertake and the fact that equines find their safety in numbers, his chances of survival would seem low. Pondering the various sources of help he might encounter along the way in order to improve his chances was an absorbing process! But yes, if you haven't guessed the identity of the moving twilight, all will become clearer in the next chapter.
Many thanks for reading and pausing long enough to share your thoughts!
shirebound
· 23 May 2025
· Chapter 6: I find hope unlooked for, aid unexpected
Oooh, "a larger piece of moving twilight". Oh my goodness, where has this rescuer come from?
Author's reply
(I can't describe how excited I was when I realized the timeline would work for this plot twist! But considering your own wonderful stories, you have probably experienced the same sense of wonder when pieces fall into place...)
I'm glad to have you along for the journey! Thanks so much for stopping to share your thoughts, my friend.
(((hugs)))
Lady Forlong
· 12 May 2025
· Chapter 5: I follow the dry riverbed in hopes of water; a fool's hope, perhaps?
"And I am already weary." He seems to have some sort of a psychic connection with "Tall hat" in addition to the "Voices." He even seems to know who it's coming from. Interesting...
Author's reply
That connection sort of popped in there without conscious planning. On second thought, it seemed to make sense, so I left it in, though the timing is a little off. (Still, Frodo saw Gandalf walking back and forth on top of Orthanc in a dream that happened not quite at the same time Gandalf was Saruman's prisoner, if I'm remembering right?) The idea also fits with the next chapter, which draws heavily on some sort of long-distance connection between Gandalf (and Radagast) and beasts in order to be believable. Still, JRRT provided some hints of this possibility, I think...
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to share your thoughts!
KathyG
· 11 May 2025
· Chapter 5: I follow the dry riverbed in hopes of water; a fool's hope, perhaps?
The sooner that help arrives, the better!
Author's reply
I agree!
Good to hear from you! (((hugs)))
shirebound
· 11 May 2025
· Chapter 5: I follow the dry riverbed in hopes of water; a fool's hope, perhaps?
Help is on its way, even now, and will soon be at hand...
Whew, I'm as relieved as Bill!
Author's reply
It'll be such a relief to me (as well as Bill) when the cavalry comes thundering over the hill, so to speak... which should happen in the next chapter, unless I remember that I forgot something. If that makes sense?
I am still reeling (in the most delightful way) from a surprise visit from Youngest, and so my mind is definitely not on fanfic at the moment but still basking in smiles and hugs and such now that the visitors have departed.
(((hugs))) and happy Mother's Day to you, dear friend.
Larner
· 11 May 2025
· Chapter 0: Introduction and Explanatory Note
As likely a guiding sign as my own Voice that Frodo often hears after his awakening in Ithilien.
Will keep this in mind as I catch up at last!
Author's reply
I'm glad to see you have some reading (and writing?) time again! Eldest will be arriving soon to spend the afternoon for Mother's Day, but once she heads homewards again, I look forward to savouring your re-post that I noticed when I fired up the laptop this morning.
(((hugs))) and happy Mother's Day to you, my friend!
Lady Forlong
· 5 May 2025
· Chapter 4: I follow my nose
At least he managed to get himself a safe distance from the "Watcher in the Water." -- and has enough sense not to drink that water even though he's thirsty.
Author's reply
Bill has grown wise in his travels. He had a wise mother, added to the benefit of his habit of observation and tendency to ponder all he sees and hears. Gandalf's help is icing on the cake!
Thanks so much for reading and pausing long enough to share your thoughts! I greatly appreciate the resulting encouragement. It's energizing, somehow.
Author Reply: p.s. I don't know that Bill will ever be wise enough to resist the siren call of green apples (thankfully, it's the wrong time of year for that hazard to present itself)... but at least his keen sense of smell and taste will help him avoid drinking stagnant or polluted water as he makes his way to safety.