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Dreamflower's Mathoms I by Dreamflower	6 Review(s)
Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 4/24/2006
Oh, I just love the Aunties; they're so sweet and sensible and motherly. Of course Peridot would care about Pippin's friends, just because that's what they were and not because she was curious (as well she might have been). And it's delightful that they could share songs! This renews my burning desire to play the harp, but I think the piano, penny whistle, and harmonica are enough for now. :) I love the way you write about music; I could almost hear it. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Yes, I think the Aunties are rather sweet; certainly Peridot was curious--she's a Took after all! LOL! But her curiousity was based on her caring about Pippin, and not just for purposes of gossip and speculation. The enjoyment of music is something that is special between these two, and sets his relationship with Peridot apart from his relationship with Primrose. The only things I can play are piano and recorder (and not particularly well) and my husband's freenotes chimes, which need no skill. But I have always loved music, and even playing it badly is better than not playing at all.

GamgeeFest	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 3/18/2006
Poor Pippin. He's been homesick for the Shire for so long, and now that he's there, he's homesick for the friends he made on the Quest. Feeling so out of place doesn't help matters and being the center of attention, which he never minded before, is now trying and warying. At least he found an audience he could pour his griefs into. Beautiful story! Author Reply: Yes, he is homesick for his friends. He made a whole 'nother family for himself outside the Shire, and of course he misses them. And being the focus of attention is one thing when you are singing or performing, but it's another thing altogether when you are the object of speculation and gossip. I've always envisioned his older "Aunties" as being rather like grandmothers to Pippin and his sister. And because they rather share an interest in music, he is especially close to his sweet and gentle Aunt Peridot. She'll listen and accept, which is what he so desperately needs.

Gryffinjack	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 12/26/2005
You really give us a sense of how awkward it is for Pippin to be back at the Great Smials with so many wary and suspicious prying eyes staring at him like some sort of novelty. After what the four hobbits have just gone through, that really is so far removed from the way they feel and so superficial that it is no wonder that, as you said, Pippin was glad to get away from the Great Smials, though he missed his parents, sisters, and aunts. Are you sure you invented Aunt Peridot and Aunt Primrose? They both seem so real, especially Aunt Peridot here, it's as if they are canon characters that are fully fleshed out. I know Tolkien listed that Paladin had three sisters, though he did not give names to them, but the way you describe them and have them speak in your stories, it's as though they have always been a part of canon with the names and characteristics you give them. "She clucked her tongue reprovingly, and moved into the room, lighting the other lamps. She looked at his lanky form sprawled on the settee, and shook her head. In spite of his size--which was taking some getting used to--he looked very young and lost at the moment. She went over and sat next to him. He shifted to make room for her. He felt awkward. He used to be able to lean his head on her shoulder. Now he was too tall for that; the thought suddenly made unexpected tears spring to his eyes. He didn’t know why he was feeling so lonesome and low this evening. He was home, and they had put things to rights--well, mostly, anyway, and everyone he loved was safe. He’d no right to be feeling this way. His aunt leaned into his side, and he put his arm around her. She felt so old and frail. He looked at the concern on her face. “You are missing Merry and Frodo, I daresay,” she said astutely. He sighed. “Yes, I am. And Sam. And…” his voice trailed off. “And who else, Peregrin? I have heard you mention some of your friends that you found while you were away.” Suddenly he realized that was part of his problem tonight. He was missing them: dear Strider, Aragorn, his King and healer and friend; and Gandalf--he really missed the gruff voice, so at odds with the fond twinkle in the eyes, his wise and kindly counsel, the comforting smell of pipeweed and fireworks and wool; and Legolas, his Elf, who seemed to understand his need for music; and Gimli, dear Gimli who had saved his life; and Faramir, his Prince; and Beregond and Bergil. And Boromir, whom he’d never see again. He blinked rapidly, to get rid of the tears that threatened. “Tell me a bit about them, Pippin, dear. I’d like to hear of some of your friends.” He looked at her, seeing only the gentle interest of someone who cared, not the greedy, avid curiosity that put his back up. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes for a moment, and then began to tell her of his friends." Aunt Peridot is fantastic. She does not coddle Pippin nor stare at him in awe or like he is an alien. She treats him as if he were exactly what he is - her dear nephew whom she loves and cares about who has gone through a rather rough patch and could use someone to talk to. Plus, I think she genuinely is interested in learning more about Pippin's experiences and new friends. I'm so glad that Pippin has at least one Took relation whom he can open up and express himself to. It helps that they share a passion for music. Once Pippin mentioned Legolas teaching him some new songs, Aunt Peridot immediately knew what would help. Aunt Peridot knows that Pippin must express himself and his emotions and that for Pippin, like her, music is the key that can unleash all those bottled up feelings. It's not like Pippin is going to turn into a puddle of mush after playing, but he will feel better for it, feel the blood course through his veins again and more of his life restored. This was a lovely little story to round out the Great Smials and Brandy Hall versions of When the King Comes Back. Author Reply: Yes, really, I did make up the aunties. They have quite an extensive angsty backstory involving their friendship with Primula, but I've never been able to get it to gel into a single coherent story. So we have to be content so far with little bits and pieces. I'm so flattered that you think they could be canon! Pippin and his sisters dearly love both their older Aunties, but as you say, because of music, Pippin has a special connection with Peridot. She loves her nephew dearly, and yes, she truly is interested. And she's interested in his outland friends because they are his friends, and not because they are outlanders--she's far more interested in the characters and personalities of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli than she is in the fact that they are Man, Elf or Dwarf. Pippin can open up to her. It's not traumatic to tell her these things, because she's not expecting it or insisting on it as his parents did--it's not a chore to get out of the way, like taking an unpleasant medicine. He can tell the parts he chooses to tell, and that's the good parts, about his friends. And yes, indeed, the music will help a good deal.

Hai Took	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 4/21/2005
Very sweet! It was nice to see Pippin so close to another relation, I like how your Pippin is so loving and in touch with everyone. I like that she listened to fully and truly wanted to know about the people in Pippin's life that he would miss so much, but not "greedy and avid" as you say. Wonderful! Author Reply: Pippin has a very loving and generous nature, and he is very open-hearted and open with his feelings. I think he is a good deal like Frodo would have been if he had not lost his parents--Frodo remained loving and generous, but he began to hide his feelings after that. I like to think that Pippin's older Aunties filled a sort of grandmotherly role for him--she truly cares about his feelings. A lot of the other Tooks, however were mostly just curious and thrill-seeking. And I thought of the "Jewelry" as they were before Opal's accident.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 4/20/2005
Yes, there would be homesickness for the companions of that year as well. Thank you very much for this one, for it is one that has filled my own heart tonight. Author Reply: I think that over the course of the Quest, the Fellowship became almost a surrogate family for the hobbits. They adopted them very quickly, and I think the love and protectiveness was mutual. In addition, Pippin also formed some firm friendships in Minas Tirith, as did Merry in Rohan. I am glad that you found it heart-warming. And thank you for the very pleasant surprise of an inbox full of lovely reviews! What a lovely thing to wake up to!

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 4/4/2005
Poor Pippin, it is so understandable he misses his friends! After being together for nearly one year and going through so much hardship they share an unique bond. Luckily he doesn't know yet he will soon lose Frodo forever, too. I am glad he has his music, it seems to help him to cope with his memories and loneliness. And his aunt was very understanding. Author Reply: Yes, as far as the four Travellers are concerned, they think of the rest of the Fellowship as family now, and miss them just as much as they missed their own hobbit relations while they were gone. And Pippin made some other good friends as well, such as Faramir, Beregond and Bergil. His music is a comfort to him, as is his auntie. I kind of think that Paladin's older sisters filled almost a grandmotherly function to his children, as they were so much older than he. Primrose and Peridot were actually contemporaries of Primula Baggins.

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