This is what fic is for, I think, letting us see what canon will *never* let us see, truly inside the characters' heads. I don't really read much of anything besides LotR, as you know, but I couldn't resist Charlie. You did a lovely job, and it makes me wish wistfully that his daydreams of rescue and family and modest success will come true--though I know very well that TPTB would never let it happen.