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Thain by Lindelea	4 Review(s)
Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 11/7/2004
I love the shepherd! he rewarded Pippin efforts and let him know that everyone can make a mistake. He would have made a great father for Pippin or for someone. Quite a good teacher and also good with reassurance. Suppose he might take Paladin out for a few lessons? LOL I also like the fact that Pippin's rescue isn't explained. Could have been the dogs or anything. Nicely done! Author Reply: Oops, missed replying to this! I do think the shepherd would have made a great father. At least he can put his gift for encouraging others to good use here. Paladin's actually had a few lessons in the past or he'd never have trusted his only son with the hobbit in the first place. (There's a backstory, might never be published as it is only a story summary, but the old shepherd was the one who taught Paladin originally to control his temper... he was not quite so old then, g.) You're right, it could have been the dogs, though my shepherd friend was doubtful that they'd be able to move the sheep once she'd given up. That's why we settled on the mysterious, hoping perhaps it was a passing Elf (though we'll never know for sure). Thanks!

FantasyFan	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 11/7/2004
I see what you meant about this chapter. There are so many times I think you have written yourself into a corner that has absolutely no way out, and then you find one (it is a failing of my imagination, I think); however finally you have met your match. It's not entirely satisfactory, but it's not entirely unsatisfactory either. Pippin does have more to do with his life, and this was only one lesson in not overestimating or underestimating himself. The hand of higher powers are clearly visible in Tolkien's writing to those who look, and I have always felt that 'the fool' is one character where their hand can more clearly be seen. How many times on the quest does Pippin do something entirely foolishly or on an unthinking whim that turns out to have been vital when viewed with hindsight? More times than he would like to think about, I am sure. There is a concept in spirituality of the abandonment of will after all conscious effort has been made, that opens the door to grace. Frodo was the recipient of this, at Mt. Doom, I think, and perhaps Pippin is here. Author Reply: Very thought-provoking comments! I had a different solution worked out but my shepherd friend told me a sheep would not behave the way I had written, so we had to brainstorm a bit. It could be deus-ex-machina or it could be a wandering Elf just passing by, who didn't stay around after making sure the lad was safe and breathing, though this will not be expanded upon in the story--it is truly a mystery to Pippin, one that I don't know if he'll ever know the solution. I know Elves don't usually interfere in the goings-on of mortals, but I cannot imagine an Elf just walking away and letting the hobbit drown, either. Very good food for thought in your comments, thanks! Author Reply: p.s. I see I am rambling in my reply, so I had better go back to bed and nurse this (yet another) dratted cold. We seem to be passing it around the family, and this is my second round... Gotta go buy all new toothbrushes tomorrow, I think. Author Reply: A little clearer-headed after long nap (not much clearer, but a little). Yes, as I told you I was not terribly satisfied, but it's a solution and I can get on with the story! Whew.

Connie B.	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 11/7/2004
So, was it divine intervention, or did Pippin just block out the events in his mind. I could see it being some act of a Higher Power, considering what he is meant to accomplish in the future. I'm glad the shepherd has found him to be responsible and a good worker. Now that he's adapted to his situation, I'm starting to think this was the best thing after all. Paladin would never be able see the value in his son that someone else could, and he'd never have been able to tap the inner abilities of said son either. Only someone with one preconceived notions could do that. However, having said that, I just can't see Pippin serving a full apprenticeship as a shepherd. But then that's probably part of the crux of the story. I'll stop speculating and leave it in your capable hands. The author truly does know best. Oh, you may want to check your first mention of the bread loaves. I think you accidently typed "loves". Just thought I'd let you know, 'cause it jumped out at me in a way.(grin and giggle) Thanks. Connie B. Author Reply: Divine intervention, or perhaps a wandering Elf... you never know, in Middle-earth. Well, Pippin was spoilt, and Paladin was fighting an uphill battle. (Have you heard of the dynamic, where you have a troublesome child, and whenever one parent tries to discipline, the other "protects" and the situation worsens as an intelligent child plays one parent off against the other...? But enough psychology.) I think he was wise to turn his son over to such a mentor. The next "Pippin" chapter is roughed-out, at least, and so is the intervening "Bucca" chapter. Thanks for the catch, I missed it on my read-through and my spellcheck didn't think it was a problem. Appreciate the feedback!

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 11/7/2004
The intervention of 'Powers beyond the ken of Hobbit'!! That old shepherd is a good chap - just the kind of person who is needed to bring spoiled brats round to become Useful Members of Society. And Pippin is actually having all his good shepherding and kind/caring instincts honed - which is good for him. (Plus his honest instincts. That's a good thing too.) Author Reply: Wow, thanks for the quick response! Very heartening when I'm down with a miserable cold. It's nice to toddle off to bed with a review to smile on. Yes, could be "Powers" or it might even have been a wandering Elf, who of course would not be likely to stick around after the young Hobbit was safe. My shepherd friend and I had to work the solution out this way when she told me I'd written Pippin into a corner, poor lad, and there was no plausible way out again! I do love writing the old shepherd's part of Pippin's story. Even though his part is all too brief, he had a deep impact on the future Thain, and in more ways than just drinking strong black tea... I think Paladin made an excellent choice of mentors for his son, don't you? Now so long as the Muse stays in a good mood, I'll hope to post Bucca's next chapter in a few days. "Glisters" got stalled while I was researching Merry's surgery, but I'm hopeful the rough spots will work out soon. Thanks so much for brightening my day with comments!

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