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| A Took by Any Other Name by Lindelea | 11 Review(s) |
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| Imhiriel | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 12/5/2006 |
| Knowing what was to come, Merimac's return and every gesture and every word had so much poignancy! I loved the scene with Paladin and Eglantine at night: little scenes like this always are so moving, because they show that for all the bad Paladin does, there is still the love for his wife, and the memories of earlier times, when he was the warm and loving father. Which makes it all that much harder to read in contrast. but then Paladin was always one to acknowledge hard truths, as long as he wasn’t looking into his own faults. *snort* Too true, too true... | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/4/2005 |
| Now, if we can only get two stubborn old Tooks to apologize to one another.... Catching up once more. Author Reply: Wouldn't it be loverly? (Sorry, someone around here has been singing "My Fair Lady" a lot.) | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/4/2005 |
| Foreseeing the arrival and presence of your grandson is not the same as enjoying being his grandda, you pig-headed Took! Why Paladin only seems to manage to show his pleasant side after dark in the presence of his wife is beyond me! He needs counselling! I'm glad I know that Pippin is going to survive this ailment - although these dreams don't seem to be quite as bad. And poor Diamond! Not only in the last stages of pregnancy, but worried sick about whether her infant will ever see his father. And Merimac has seen Pippin - and hinted at some important things that need to be known, should Pippin wake in his right mind. (Poor Ferdi. Poor, poor Ferdi.) But it's not over until it's over. And it's not over. Not for Ferdi, anyway. Author Reply: Paladin needs counseling! That's it! Now to write a psychologist-falls-into-Middle-earth-and-meets-the-Fellowship-and-their-families story! Oops. I think SoA's guidelines specifically prevent such things. Drat. Poor Ferdi. Y'know, writing on an established timeline is very frustrating, sometimes. Poor Pippin. Poor Paladin. Poor Farry--but at least he has one loving and attentive grandfather, and another sort of substitute grandfather (Saradoc, for the remaining two years of his life). Putting head down and slogging along. In the middle of typing in and revising the next chapter, and it's tricky and difficult to pull off. Hope it works! | |
| Connie B. | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/3/2005 |
| Wonderful chapter! I am so glad to get to see a side of Paladin that had been missing for a long time. He really does love his son, even though he just can't tell Pippin that. Also Paladin has the gift of seeing. I always saw Pippin having this gift, but I hadn't thought of Paladin having it. He always seemed so grounded and rooted in reality to let something so imaginative have a part in his life. Looking forward to the next chapter. Connie B. Author Reply: Yes, he really does love his son, poor guy. Thanks! Author Reply: That was a very short reply, sorry, but I got interrupted in the middle of it and am about to be interrupted again. Yup, here it is. But thanks for the thoughtful comments. You always saw Pippin as having the gift of "seeing"? Fascinating! I know Frodo had it, and I know that both Merry and Farry "saw" Frodo in the Uttermost West, but I wasn't sure about Pippin yet. Thanks! | |
| Hai Took | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/3/2005 |
| At least this round of dreams weren't nearly as bad. He was at least seeing Faramir, evenif there was an impending battle he was remembering old friends. It must be very difficult for Diamond to not be able to see Pippin. As well as be difficutlt for those who are watching him slip away. The way he come out of sleeping and waking is well done. I liked the way you had Paladin knowing that Pippin would return and able to see his grandson. That he knows at least of the nickname as great and that he was guessing the wrong names! Looking forward to more! Author Reply: O thank you! I appreciate your hitting the "high points" that stood out for you in reading. It is good to see what "worked", especially as we are still revising, tweaking, really, or fine-tuning perhaps. Goodness, I really shouldn't answer reviews when I am kicking coffee (yet again). I am so sleepy I can hardly see straight! But I so appreciate your taking time to comment. Thanks! | |
| Elenar | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/3/2005 |
| I loved Paladin's "seeing!" It was nice to see the love there and his excitment fot his grandson. Author Reply: Yes, and he actually gets to meet his grandson, when Farry's about 18 months old or so (in "Jewels", on ff.net under "Lindelea1"), and don't you think he completely dotes on the little lad? Thanks! | |
| Saoirse | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/3/2005 |
| Hullo! I just wanted to drop a note and let you know I am here and reading this and loving it (I often review all your stories but always with foolish, random names I think up...lol it is something I enjoy doing with all stories I read) Ahem. Anyways, here are some parts that I've just *loved* from this chapter -- so heart-wrenching! (from 3rd heart-wrenching-est to 1st) 3. 'The healer had decreed that the next would be the last, for good or ill. Either the fever would break, or Pippin’s heart would...' Oh, my! What a terrible, terrible thing. Especially to be weighing down on the heart's of all who love him so very very much! 2. (it's a tie) '‘She ought to see him now,’ Estella said. ‘She ought to say her good-byes now, while he’s at peace.' ' + ' ‘But...’ Estella argued, breaking off as her husband stiffened under her hands. ' How sad! Poor Diamond, she must be in quite the state! And I can only imagine poor Merry's already grief-frazzled, numb (no, no, he loves Pippin to much even to be numb)... oh maybe inexplainably destroyed and heart-aching nerves? Well, anyways, I can only imagine his nerves, sitting there hoping desperately his lad will pull through after so much that he's been through -- *knowing* he'll pull through (this is his Pip, after all, he can't just leave like this!), but the dark shadow in the back his mind that he won't let himself listen to, but that is ever-lurking there, is hinting wickedly that simply knowing is not enough. And numero uno: Alright... I couldn't pick just one, (so give me weed pulling duty or something), here are the TWO number ones. ‘I am coming,’ Merry said brokenly, leaning forward once more. ‘Do you hear me, Pippin? Even now I am riding to your side. The city will not fall, and the Rohirrim are riding to join the battle. Hold fast, cousin.’ Ah! My heart just lurched! and also: 'Merry’s lips moved silently as if he wished to protest that he was there indeed; but then he swallowed hard and said nothing, merely pressed his cousin’s hand.' Ah! Wonderful job! And I know I need not say to hurry and update (because unlike myself, who has so far resigned to write one-shots because I can never finish anything lol ;) ) you will! :) Author Reply: O such a lovely, long review! Great motivation to post again tomorrow and not wait until Saturday... You review under different names? Now you've got my curiosity bump itching! Thanks! | |
| Pearl Took | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/3/2005 |
| ‘Now-then, lass,’ he said. ‘ ‘Tis truly I’m speaking. I’ve had a “seeing” about it. I know he’ll come, for I’ve “seen” him.’ Eglantine pulled back, sniffling, to peer earnestly into his face. ‘You’ve seen him?’ she said. She knew that amongst the Tooks some were given the gift of seeing things that had not yet come to pass, some more than others, but in any event it was never at will but only, seemingly, by chance. It was little spoken of, for it made other hobbits uneasy and gave credence to that old nonsense about “fairy blood”. Paladin had always been a sturdy and solid hobbit, not given to fancy. ********************* This touches me deeply, the whole chapter touches me deeply. To know that Paladin does love his son and his wife. To know he is happy to know there will be a grandson, even if he might never see the child himself. Makes it that much sadder he shows everyone else the cold, harsh, mad Paladin. I'm teary. If you wrote this with "While We Dwelt in Fear" hovering in your thoughts (as it seems you may have) then I am honored. Thank you, this is wonderful!!!! VWD :) :) Author Reply: Indeed, I admit to being influenced by "While We Dwelt" though I was originally thinking of Frodo's visions of the future at various points in LOTR. What an incredible work you've done, and fit it so well into the original that I'm surprised, sometimes, to think I didn't read it in LOTR in the first place. Paladin does sadden me. He started out a caricature (sp?) and ended a full and "living" person with faults and foibles and lost possibilities... Sometimes I am very sad for him and those he loves, and can only look back to happier days and forward to the time when "all he ever lost will be restored to him". Thanks. Author Reply: p.s. just added to the draft story notes ("draft" because there are some facts needing checked). Is it ok if I put a link to "While We Dwelt" there? | |
| Beruthiel | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/3/2005 |
| "Paladin was always one to acknowledge hard truths, as long as he wasn't staring into his own faults." So very true. Someone smack the guy, already! Shouldn't he be more concerned with attempting to reconcile? He seems quite happy to go to his grave without ever exchanging a single kind word with his son, as long as Pippin will be Thain after him. How can he let Pippin go on thinking he hates him? Especially since he can plainly see how much his pig-headedness is hurting his wife. Get your priorities straight, Paladin! Ahem. Rant over. Write more please! Pretty please! Author Reply: I know. It is difficult to be constrained by what is already written. Makes me want to re-write and give Paladin the trademark happy ending. *sigh* Not gonna happen. I hate re-writing. Only do it when editor-friend promises dark chocolate, or threatens to quit, or both. Or when readers point out plot holes that neither of us noticed. Don't know if there will be more tomorrow or Saturday. Will try to carve out the time. Getting up early to have computer time is painful sometimes... | |
| Dana | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/3/2005 |
| I love this from chapter 11: He was in a chair, however, which meant that someone was ill, or injured. He opened his eyes to see Pippin’s bruised face against the pillow. Estella sat in the other watcher’s chair, her head resting on one arm that lay across Pippin’s chest, and Pippin’s right hand was tangled in her curls. Both of them were asleep. My heart just kind of burst. *sigh* And I love Estella and Merry, and their exchange in that chapter, as well. They are so very well made for each other, and Merry is a lucky one, to have her. And I am sorry, but this: At last the struggle calmed, and Pippin lay still once more, Merry still pressing him to the bed. ‘Merry?’ Estella said, to be echoed by Pippin. ‘Merry? What is it?’ Merry rose slowly, cautiously, to find Pippin blinking up at him. ‘What’s this all about, Merry?’ Pippin said in a reasonable tone. ‘First your wife mistakes me for you, and then you...’ So made me smile and laugh. Oh, and this: Estella rose abruptly to her feet, laid Pippin’s hand down, and skimmed around the bed to Merry. Standing on tiptoe and seizing him firmly by the ears she drew his head down for a thorough and lingering kiss while Pippin politely averted his gaze, though a mischievous smile played about his lips. ‘There!’ Estella said in satisfaction as she pulled away at last. ‘That’s better!’ ‘I should say so,’ Merry said in fervent agreement. ‘What, naught for me?’ Pippin said, a twinkle in his eye. Love them all, I do. As for chapter 12: I so love how Pippin so hates honey. *grin* I know I went on most about 11 and 12 but 13 and 14 have been wonderful, as well. And here I thought I'd only stop by for a moment and say "Dana was here". Well, you got that, and more. (And I rather do love the end of 14.) Author Reply: Ah, Dana, how I love your reviews, even your "Dana was here" posts that grow with the telling, like a good Tookish tall-tale. (And I rather do love the way you comment on what you love...*g*) *hugs* (Is that Freddy there in the bushes? What's he doing following the Fellowship?) | |