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| Healing the Long Cleeve by TopazTook | 7 Review(s) |
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| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 8/5/2005 |
| They needed to tell, did their best to hold it in, to hide it, but needed to tell. Glad the two of them have each other now. Author Reply: Yep; he not only needed to tell, but she needed to know. Glad that the bonding worked for you. | |
| Marion | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/24/2004 |
| What is it with Pip anyway? Diamond thinks his scars are 'badges of honour', but he thinks he is a 'ruined hobbit'. Bert thinks proudly that Pippin will be one of the best Thains ever and Pippin thinks he will be the most unworthy Thain that ever lived. What is it that makes him so uncertain of himself? Author Reply: While his natural character is as a generally happy-go-lucky hobbit, Pippin does have a strain of responsibility....and he has mixed feelings about a lot of things in his life: e.g., What makes him worthy to be Thain just because of an accident of birth? And, while he doesn’t necessarily regret the things he accomplished on the Quest, he does regret some of their consequences, lingering effects and the way they “bring darkness into the Shire.” | |
| Marion | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/24/2004 |
| Oh, I'm so glad to find another chapter! A month without updates! What were you thinking! :-) I'm so glad to see Diamond grow into such a strong character (that very subtle but firm way she told Pippin "I should not like that, I don't think") and thank God she is a REAL strong character and not one of those 'fiery hobbitesses that carry swords' that seem to pop up in fanfiction just about everywhere. Quite annoying they are, those so-called 'brave, strong lasses'. Your Diamond is a REAL strong lass. She knows what her rights are and nobody tramples over them (the way she handled those maids that indecently assaulted our Pip!) and she knows her own strengths. Yes, she was rather timid at the start of her wedding (due to her upbringing) but she's flourishing. Her own parents won't recognize her in a few months time :-) Talking about her parents: I've reread all the chapters a few times these past weeks (well, I was having withdrawel-symptoms!) and it struck me: how her mother seemed to think that sex is an 'unpleasantness' and the age-difference between Diamond and her siblings is about ten years each way. Her father seems a kind and gentle hobbit, so I guess that her mother must have a) an unpleasant experience regarding sex or b) had a rather uptight mother herself. I don't know what it is about Diamonds' parents, but they fascinate me... Author Reply: Yes, what was I thinking? Family commitments, a job that actually pays me. and decided to have work me work weekends and evenings...[hangs head in properly chastised shame]. Seriously, I do feel rather guilty about the length between updates, and will try to do better in future. (Must combat withdrawal symptoms!) I’m glad that you picked up on Diamond’s strength of character in this chapter. It’s not just Bert who’s a “strong hobbit.” :) If done well, I think the ‘fiery hobbitesses that carry swords’ can occasionally work, although indubitably NOT in a Mary-Sue. (Check out the book “Women Sailors and Sailor’s Women” by David Cordingly for some history on how not-as-uncommon-as-you-think it has been in history for women to participate in male-dominated roles -- although they did mostly have to masquerade as men to do so.) You are right, however, that this is not my Diamond as I have come to know her. As for her parents...you noticed those details, eh? ;) I’m glad you, at least, are fascinated by Diamond’s parents, as they’re back in Chap. 16...with another little bit of this subplot. (I keep saying Honeysuckle had a reason for not telling Diamond anything...) It’s also addressed again later in the story; I’m still trying to figure out the proper place in its structure for that episode. | |
| Auntiemeesh | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/21/2004 |
| I was getting ready to be very frustrated with Pippin for turning away from Diamond and isolating himself at a time when he really needed someone there with him, and then Diamond puts her foot down and claims her place as his wife in a most wonderful way. And she's told him that she loves him. “Sleep,” Diamond whispered again and placed a kiss on his brow as his eyelids fluttered. He heard Diamond add, as his thoughts fled away, “for I shall guard you safe from every dream.” What an absolutely wonderful last line for a great chapter. :) Author Reply: Yes, it was good for Diamond to say “Oh, no you’re not!” ‘going to Tuckborough’ again without actually using those words. The “I love you” wasn’t originally plotted as part of this chapter -- although the “darling” was -- but she just insisted on saying it here, and I think she’s right and that it’s important. Thanks for the comments on the last line, too. I also think it’s a great concept that she can guard him from his dreams...might just be the sort of thing you’d find listed as one of the properties of diamonds in a lapidarium. ;) | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/21/2004 |
| *sigh* An incredible chapter, indeed, well-crafted, perfectly balanced, and very satisfying ending. Masterfully done. Author Reply: Thank you for such great comments from one of the masters herself! (A wonderful birthday present for this author...Nov. 21...a certain Icelander has pointed out that I am now the same age as bookverse Quest Merry.) | |
| pipinheart | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/21/2004 |
| This is a great story.... Will pippin and Diamond realize each have love for each other,and can pippin's nightmare's be forstalled by her love... Please continue... Author Reply: Thank you! Well, she has finally realized she loves him and told him so....and somehow I think he’ll realize the same pretty soon. ;) Pippin’s nightmares might not ever be completely cured because the Quest was such a big influence in his life, but Diamond can help him make them go away quicker for the most part. I am continuing! | |
| pipspebble | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/20/2004 |
| I am absolutely astounded at how brilliant and perfect and completely wonderful this chapter is! Stunned, I am, and I can't believe how you have, with one fell swoop, completely made me love Diamond and think she is worthy of our Pippin. This was very difficult to read, and I found tears wetting my own cheeks as I read Pippin's tortured recitation. I adore the way you have Diamond reacting, and her gentle ministrations as he told his tale, her strength at the end when she told him to sleep and that she would protect him. Oooh! I'm all aquiver. Bravo, my dear, bravo! Author Reply: Thanks so much for the lovely, lovely review! You’re making me get all mushy now, but this was a wonderful birthday present! (Nov. 21) | |