Reviews (348)

I have been having such a great time reading your stories, and this one is no exception. I loved your version of Diamond, and your Pippin. You have definitely shown him as someone any girl would want to marry... :-) Thanks for writing!

Awww.. outstanding .. fabulous.. I started reading yer Fantastic story on FF but just couldn't wait for yer updates there ;) so i took the liberty of finding the original posting of it to read it through. I didn't know of this site so now i have another grand library to weed from. But your's was the first here and will be in remembrance always. Yer story has the air of propability and well earned happiness for them unintentional heroes. As i mentioned on reviews on FF, you have a knack of descibing the lives and ongoings with much ardour. I salut you, Dreamflower. / Pegueng

Love this story! I really don't think I ever read it before, being kind of keen to avoid romance at the time. Now, of course, I can't get enough of it. ;) I absolutely love your characterization of Diamond, and Pippin's letters are adorable! They'd drive me crazy for being so short, but they are so charmingly Pippin. I actually had chills when he and Merry were telling their story to their ladies. What an agonizing process it must have been. Poor Estella, her mother really is quite the character! You captured the dread of feared illness very well, I thought, and Diamond's experience with it. I almost felt everything she did. In case I haven't said it lately, I love the way you flesh out all the hobbits' personalities in all your stories, not just our favorite five, but your own original characters (love Opal and her sisters and the transformations there) and people who have their names mentioned in Tolkien's work but get little or no more than that. Your Esmeralda is one of my favorites. Frodo's last letter is heart-rending. But the departure from the wedding is so sweet, and somehow, even though I read the words of "Upon the Hearth" at the end, I was hearing Pippin's special song for Diamond in my head. :)

I wasn't going to review this until the end, as it's complete. But I have to pause here, for this. Sam lay awake. He wished he could cry, could weep, could mourn, but he did not. This was a pain that gripped him from the top of his head all the way down to his toes, and left no room for tears. In the Black Land, Sam had seen despair, agony, fear, even hatred for the Ring and for the Dark Lord, in Frodo’s eyes. But at least there had been feeling, emotion, there. Tonight, he had seen nothing but emptiness in those eyes, as though Frodo were too weary even for pain. But that’s all right, he thought. I have enough pain for the both of us. I've always identified very closely with Sam, and this is one of the best instances of his POV that I've ever read in fanfiction.

I've had a good time re-reading this story tonight. It is a lovely romantic story, and I just love the characterization of Pippin in this. He is pure Pippin - mischieveous, determned, honorable, brave, easily bored, and utterly charming. And also so innocent, despite all that he has gone through, despite all the evil he's seen and the terrible and hard times he's lived through. His goodness, his purity, are really apparent here. I originally started reading this tonight where you've been newly posting it at West of the Moon. Quickly realized I'd read it before, and remembered I'd liked it. When I got to chapter 2, the sentence about Diamond and Pip being 6th cousins immedediately caught my eye, and then when I got to the bottom and saw myself credited I just laughed. After chapter 7, I came over here to SoA to finish reading. By the time I got to the end I was in tears for the letter from Frodo, which I had forgotten. And I read my original review of that chapter, where I also cried, and I realized that the more things change, and time passes, the more that they really stay the same. Frodo having to leave his cousins will always make me cry. Pippin will always make me laugh, and Tolkien's world will always make me shake my head in wonder and awe, as will marvelous writers like you who expand the original and make it personal and present in so many ways. Thank you for a lovely story.

Oh, Dreamflower! What a splendid tale! That's the best romance I've read in a while. I don't really know where to begin, there's so much to love and admire. Well, here goes; I'll try and cover everything that really stood out for me... How like our Pip to get himself hurt saving other lives...again! I can really see how his and Paladin's relationship has improved, just in the way they behave and react to one another. There's real closeness there, obviously, and it's wonderful to see. There are so many names in the books that Tolkien never got to give personality to, and I love how you and so many others can make them come alive. I have to say, though, that I'm very partial to your Took family, which, of course, includes the future Mistress Diamond and all the OCS, particularly the Jewels. Wow! Opal is doing so well! I'm really impressed with how well she accepted her disability, and seems so determined not to let it get her down. This summer I attended a program for youth at the Colorado Center for the Blind to gain some useful info and experience of all kinds (that's where I've been all this time), and while there I saw a lady who had just lost her sight and come to learn life skills all over again, but was waiting to go back to the airport because she thought she couldn't do it. Yes, it's challenging; yes, it can be frankly terrifying and almost overwhelming at times, even when one has never *had* sight in his/her life, but it takes *mindset* and *determination*, and it made me so sad to see her just give up like that, in such real despair, because she so deserved to live her life fully, and she could have, I know it. And then to see someone like Opal, who is suddenly robbed of a limb, which, to most (and I have to say to me) seems far, far more severe than the loss of sight, just get over the rough stuff and do her very best to learn to live fully and be the best she can...It's thought-provoking. Now that poor Hyacinth is out of the way, I am able to find Rosamunda rather amusing. Not that I'd want to be in Estella's place, but still...:) "Dragon Rosamunda" is a very appropriate if not altogether kind nickname. :) Eglantine and Pearl are wonderful, and I think the four young people ought to do something special for them when Rosamunda isn't around as a bit of repayment. It would be kind and much appreciated, don't you think? :) Mistress Lavender seems like a very kind and interesting person. Healers can be delightful to write, can't they? :) Diamond was fortunate to have her as a Mistress. You have the extraordinary gift, like Tolkien, of slipping those moments of genuine sweetness and pathos into just the right places in a longer tale. Wonderful to see others noticing that special bond between the four, especially during Merry's incident. Poor Hobbit, to feel it even then! And while I'm on anniversaries, I think the happenings at Bag End were done just perfectly! You didn't skim over (as seemed to have been done in the Red Book), and you didn't go way overboard. I can't say I'm never guilty of the latter, but it's not a good fault to have. It was very touching, and I truly felt for Sam. To see your brother of the spirit look at you with eyes utterly empty...*shudders* No wonder he didn't sleep much that night. I really felt for Merry when Frodo's letter came saying he wouldn't come for Yule. I guess it was the wisest thing, as he would have been overwhelmed, but it would be so crushing for his cousins, especially Merry. And 'Candles' sounds like a very beautiful dance! Loved the party of well-wishers at the end, and Frodo's last letter to Pippin made me cry, this section in particular: For some reason, you always loved me, your strange old cousin who was solitary and bookish. And no one who knows you can imagine doing anything but loving you, which I have done from the time you were the tiniest of babes. I know, of course, that Merry is your favorite cousin, but you did me the honor of making me a close second in your heart. Some of my fondest memories are of the wide green eyes looking up at me with a stream of endless questions, and the lad who could never seem to stop moving. Oh, he had no idea how very much he was loved. In such a huge epic, with so very many characters, Tolkien didn't get much time or space to really delve deeply into the thoughts of each individual; at any rate he couldn't stay with one POV for too long. I recall in FOTR his seeming almost constant switching from Frodo to Pippin and back again. Some of the time he left it to us to imagine their thoughts and feelings, judging them by their outward actions. I know I've said it before, but I truly think that your characterizations of the Hobbits are some of the truest in the fandom. Thank you for such a marvellous read! I sure missed just sitting back with a good story this summer, even with all I had to keep me on my toes! God bless, Galadriel

What a lovely story- with such excellent characterisations! The little details, such as the Tookish dislike of wheeled chairs, added realism. The way you wrote of how the rest of the Shire viewed the Travelers was touching and heartbreaking, that so few understood their pain. Frodo's illnesses, and how others reacted, were just as I had imagined, only stronger. And I was crying from Frodo's letter. Thank you for writing this and being kind enough to share it!

"Merry looked up, and the book in his hands dropped to the floor with a thud. Pippin grinned at him. “Cousin, I ask you, is that any way to treat our illustrious ancestor?” Merry didn’t answer. He didn’t even hear him." I know that is a really long quote, but I *love* that whole section. This is a wonderful story so far and I'm really enjoying it. However, I must admit that I feel slightly cheated: I just read When The King Comes Back (Brandy Hall), and I assumed that this followed it. I feel slightly cheated that there are none of your stories of Merry's courtship of Estella when it initially started, Unless I missed them, of course. At any rate, this is a wonderful story and I love it :)

I was almost in tears over Frodo's letter...so sad, having left for the Undying Lands years before. Was it a gift that Sam held onto and then gave it to Pippin on his wedding day as Frodo's gift? Sorry, somehow I missed that bit. What a sweet thought; Merry, Estella, and "the baby"! Is it lad or a lass? Or...should I wait until after the wedding tale that I hope you're planning...? Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful, incredible imagination. I absolutely love your world of hobbits! I have enjoyed, and delighted in this tale from the first word through to the end. :-) Is there a sequel coming anytime soon? ;-) LOL, one tale at a time, right? Thank you again, Pippinfan

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! I've been waiting all day to let that out!!! What a beautiful scene of them finally alone togeher. :-D I hope their wedding, or at least, a betrothal party is up next. :-) Now onto other bits and bobs... "With a stealthy skill that would have done a Ranger proud, she spirited the lad out of the Hall. Oy! If that lass isn't careful, she's going to end up like Lilas! I love the names you give your dances! I laughed when I read "the Southfarthing Brawl"...too cute! "Candles" is my favorite, with lit candles adding to the ambience--very beautiful. Before going on to the last part, I do want to say how much I have enjoyed this lovely, and moving tale of Pippin and Diamond. I do have to agree that Pip's life-long partner has to be more than a fashion statement. She at least has to be intelligent (like Pip) in order to challenge him, courageous (like him), and strength of character...like him! All other attributes such as humor, big heart, and appearance, will all fall into place thereafter, though they are also important. Well...sniff, sniff...onto the last one. Pippinfan

Pippin is so funny chomping at the bit; Diamond is so close he can almost smell the fragrance in her hair! (joking) The eager lad has waited so paiently and for so long...I only hope he and Miss Diamond have a grand time at the Yule gathering. Pippinfan

I wish I could write short letters like Pip--but I'm too much of a chatterbox. There are so many reasons why I love your Diamond, and they are too numerous to list here, so I will try to explain one of them... I think her friendship with Opal is just lovely. Poor Opal needs a good friend, and Diamond is one of those people who percieves that and doesn't expoit it. Don't know if I'm making sense, but Diamond has excellent character. :-) As for Opal...that poor lass is going to have some issues later in life about her mother...I can feel it. She's already bottling up her feelings. That is what I'm gleaning from her and Diamond's exchange about Hyacinth. Okay...onto the next. :-) Pippinfan

Oh, that was so sad! Poor Frodo--and Merry. I little understood JRRT's motive in having him leave the Shire until I read one of his letters in response to Frodo "failing"--claiming the Riing at Mt. Doom. That letter captured my heart. I actually stumbled upon it while researching something else, but I found it very insightful. As for Pippin, I am tickled right along with him as his leg heals up for dancing! Pippinfan

I really liked the whole scene of Pippin and Merry crossing on the Ferry and returning to Crickhollow...I felt as if *I* was relieved to be home! I'm eagerly awaiting Yule--everyone is getting together with loved ones...and Pippin and Diamond will be together once again. But...there's only a few more chapters left... Pippinfan

"Merry felt gratified that she didn’t add--as so many did--”for a male”. Oh, that was cute! So this wee bit of "contention" went as far back as Middle-earth, lol? And to think our generation had started it... I really enjoyed the horseplay between Pippin and Merry. I like to think that they had as much fun together after they became adults (*semi*-adult, in Pippin's case). LOL, is she being maneuvered again? Now Esme's behind it! Rosamunda may as well give up. As for Diamond, I do think being ill has helped her to empathize with her own patients. Not that she was unsympathetic prior to spotted-fever, but it helped. Pippinfan

"Rosamunda began to get the feeling she was being maneuvered," *snorts laughter* I was really enjoying this--too bad she's wisened up. Its true--our lads *had* to spill thier guts at some point. To keep all of this inside would create an immense wall between them and their spouses when they marry. And what sort of marriage is that, anyway? It was very brave of them to face the facts and re-tell it all. Wonderful. Pippinfan

Wow. That is the Diamond that I know and love so well; the sort of lass who fully lends her ear to listen to Pippin and his journey. Never calls him a liar, even asks questions to get more details, or to put it all to memory. Estella is a bit older, so yes, while its just as wonderful that she gives Merry her undivided attention, Diamond is a much younger lass, not cosidered mature enough to handle such intenseness. But she is, and I'm proud of her! :-) Pippinfan

"Diamond shook her head. “I am fine. You lads are not going to use me for an excuse to get out of this.” Go, Diamond! She doesn't take any of his/their nonsense! I really like her! Oh, I get such a tickle out of watching Tina play Rosamunda like a piano. Rosamuda is no fool (sometimes), but I love how Eglantine is the ringleader of hers, Pippin's, and Merry's conspiracy. Speaking of which--I really enjoyed your rendition of the pre-Conspiracy days. Merry lurking in the study while Bilbo and Frodo went to the Stationer's. Merry did remark just before Pippin stole away the palantir, "No Took ever beat a Brandybuck for inquisitiveness!" He sure did prove it when he formed his Conspiracy! Pippinfan

LOL, Pippin's got something up his sleeve! He has to be enlisting his mother in on whatever scheme is up his sleeve. You must have an older sibling to have Pippin muse that it "isn't right" about Merry pleading with him for a favor. And Frodo growing tired of it all...this is going to rip my heart out. Just watching the beginnings of his eventual leaving is sad. Pippinfan

"Diamond looked at Pippin, who was frankly staring at her with pleasure." I got a nice chuckle out of that! He is so open...and its so charming of him! I am also glad that Diamond cleared the air with Lavender. Poor Merry; making the right decision to talk to Estella about his journey, even as dark as it was. These two are so meant for one another...they need a wedding and soon, lol. No pressure. Pippinfan

Awww! That's so sweet of Pippin to keep an eye on Diamond. Yeah, I know it's all to his advantage. ;-) It is kind of neat how being a healer, Diamond knew exactly what was happening when certain symptoms rose up. You know...I'm wondering about Opal again...not that she would try another stunt like taking something that didn't belong to her; I'm quite sure she has learned that lesson. But...what about when she enters the dwelling of a family who *did* know the old Opal? If something came up missing...would accusing fingers point to an innocent bystander? Pippinfan

Taking in an ill Diamond is so sweet of Reggie and Opal. This is her moment to shine, not only as the "new and improved" Opal, but as a would-be healer's apprentice. I want to say something about Opal vs. Diamond as Lavender's apprentice...maybe you can guess it, but I don't want to spoil it for any other reader behind me. I'm wondering what "other" direction you were taking this... LOL, I'm just a nosy lass, aren't I? Pippinfan p.s. In response to one of your replies about Allysum--you can write about that wee lass anytime, and I'll read it! She is *so* adorable. I love writing about hobbit children, myself, and I love just as much to read about them! :-)

“I am also impressed with your bravery in allowing yourself to be exposed to an illness you have not had. It was well-done, lass, and shows that you care about your calling and your patients. I will be letting your mistress know this when she returns.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “Oh, sir!” A little encouragement goes a long way. :-) I was delighted when Paladin expained to Pippin that Diamond sees her duties in much the same way as Pippin sees his own. Committment--another necessary trait for the future Thain's wife. :-) Pippinfan

Well...it's here. The spotted-fever, I mean. ;-) Looking at the ramifications for having it, I can see how poor Diamond most likely passed on early in life. The spotted fever easily sets the stage for it. At least, that is what I gleaned from JRRT having Pippin and Merry leaving the Shire for good in their later years. If Pippin is 92 at that time, and (lol, using Diamond's *correct* age), she passes on at 86/87--and thats quite young for a hobbit. Even 92 is much too soon. Pippinfan