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A Matter of Appearances by Lindelea	6 Review(s)
demeter d	Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 8/25/2006
So the man called Pippin "my lord". Pippin has grown, indeed. Amazing part between Merry and Pippin. Such devotion on Merry's part, that he would do something unthinkable to spare his cousin. I wonder what would happen to the man now, if he has to face Aragorn's justice another time, after all he has done since. Hmmm. Author Reply: I think that Aragorn, being of the West (the good side of JRRT's good-and-evil equation) would probably grant him a quick, clean death, more's the pity. I can think of lots of unique punishments, but I don't think medieval history completely meshes with Middle-earth's. I asked around, just to see if I had the wrong impression, and most of the opinions meshed with mine. Drat. I know that Men go to the Halls of Mandos when they die, but I don't remember if bad men go there too, or if there's someplace else reserved for them?

MaidenofValinor	Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 8/24/2006
HAHA, they got blowed uppp!! But Sam thinks Farry did, too!! OH NOEZ!! Some KILLER dialogue between Pippin and Merry, there. Yowza. I'm impressed. What Pippin's saying he's going to do to the dude (heh) reminds me a bunch of Westley in The Princess Bride, when he tells Prince Humperdink he's going to cut off all these body parts, but leave the ears so he can hear the shrieks of people when they see his hideous-ness. You know the scene I speak of? Oh, dear. Rambling again. Author Reply: Oh, I'd forgotten that scene. It's been too long since I watched Princess Bride. (Mental note.) Rambling can be fun!

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 8/22/2006
I realized after I posted my review, that there was one part I meant to comment on and forgot: ‘My lord,’ the brawny man whispered, Just that instant, when the hobbits, and Pippin in particular, ceased to be "little rats". He's addressing Pippin here with the same dreadfilled awe he'd have addressed, oh, say, Denethor. And he is grovelling. I like to see him grovel. Thank you. Author Reply: You're welcome. We aim to please.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 8/22/2006
Oh my! This is a powerful chapter--yes, Pippin has truly put the fear of--well, himself--into that ruffian, who totally deserves it. Even if it never happens, he's going to remember. Pippin's scared the bejeebers out of the hobbits who are with him, and worried Merry. Yet I did notice, even though Merry asked him directly if he'd really do it, his answer though grim, was indirect. And Merry's offer to spare his soul by taking it on himself will help--if only because he knows that Merry both means it and would do it. If anything will shake him, that will. Pippin is implacable, but he is not cruel--and he's also Frodo's cousin at heart as well. I hope Sam doesn't give up--Farry and the youngster should have been fairly safe where they were, but I would guess they are probably concussed and unconscious from the blast. They are going to need someone to find them. But now there aren't any ruffians left for Sam. Author Reply: Well, as you know by now, I saved a couple of ruffians for Sam. It was a review, that crafted the last bit of the story (most of it yet to be seen, but Sam escorting the villains, and having arranged them so that he can chat a bit with both at the same time, was definitely inspired by something said in a review. Revenge of the hobbits, in a uniquely Sammish way. Almost as devious as Pippin--perhaps he's been taking notes?). I do think that Pippin spoke in the heat of the moment. Things changed when he found his son intact. I wonder, though, if Farry had truly been maimed, or tortured to death, if Pippin would have carried out his threat... or allowed Merry to do so. Somehow it doesn't sound hobbity to me. I think he would have wanted to, but unable to go through with it, and perhaps terribly grieved at his "failing" though hindsight, years later, would have brought (cold) comfort. What do you think? (I'm glad it didn't come to that.) The ruffian's hours are numbered. The hobbits are not going to let his last hours be comfortable ones, however. Light talk can be cutting instead of comforting, when properly used.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 8/22/2006
Oh Pippin, listen to Merry - please listen. What a horrible conclusion to his experience in Gondor. Consequences can come back to haunt and bite us. And now... is Farry going to suffer for not telling the ruffians about the contents of the hill? I am watching this space...... very immpatiently and anxiously! Author Reply: It's a good thing that Pippin has an older cousin who understands him so well. Thanks!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 29 on 8/22/2006
The last time the top of a mountain blew off while Sam was present I fear he was a bit too focused on survival to appreciate just what it was like. NOW he knows! Hopefully Farry, the young one, and the ponies were protected by being in the cave shelter. Bless the young one once more. And Merry is right to keep Pippin from acting out of a desire for vengeance. Forgiveness can be cruel at times, and it rubs ashes and salt into the wounds inflicted on themselves by the evildoers. Very satisfying to think Fat One and Red aren't going to do any such things to any others. And interesting this third meeting with the brawny one is such a one as it is. Branded by Aragorn? Yes, you know I've seen such punishments used in Aragorn's court as well. Well, he won't be in any shape to do such a thing again, either, not that I think he'd even dream of it now. He's been well and truly taken this time. Author Reply: Now he knows. I don't think he appreciates the front-row seat, though. Ooo, interesting turn of phrase, in your mention of forgiveness. Very interesting to contemplate. Yes, the brawny man won't get away again. Phew. Am glad to be able to say it. EF argued for him to win free, with possibility for a sequel, but I put my foot down. (Sorry if that's a spoiler.)

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