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Fate and Destiny  by PIppinfan1988 122 Review(s)
PipMerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 10/18/2007
I love this so far. I read Merry's Graduation, and liked that as well. I'm a big fan of your stories, and found this one on the MEFA site. When I'm finished with it, I'll leave a review there as well.

I really enjoy your portrayal of Degger; so self-effacing. I like that Merry and Pippin are so kind to him; I also find it believable that Paladin is so kind to Degger, because he himself was once a 'lowly farmer'.

Nice job!

Author Reply: It's late at night (for me, anyway!), so forgive me if I don't make any sense, or there are way more typos than usual, lol.

Your review came as a genuine surprise to me, and most welcome, I might add. :-) I never think of anyone as being "big fans" of my stories. I believe everyone else to be far better writers than myself. I will go ahead and count you among them, although I don't get in nearly as much reading as I used to because I work so much overtime. And that is what gets me down in the dumps; I used to devour Pippin and Merry fanfic like nobody's business, but not for the past year and a half. Fate and Destiny wasn't supposed to take 9 months to write, but that's what happened after the long hours began last year.

I do promise to get out there and catch up a little bit on my reading -- esp. with your tales, but I can't promise *when*. Perhaps the upcoming holidays will be kind to me.

Thank you so much for all of the kind things you have said in your reviews of this story and others. You are a sweet lass! I *really* do appreciate them and tuck them away in my heart for future pick-me-ups. :-)

PF

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/14/2007
Bravo! Great ending, Pippinfan!

First of all, the title "Out of His Shell" is perfect!

And the "Saffron incident" was wonderful! First of all Pippin manages to get everyone's attention. Then Frodo uses his sweetest words to remind her of her manners (I like it when he does that). And finally Degger surprises all the others with his words. He has come "out of his shell" indeed!

a beak-nosed-toad-lipped-pimple-faced-goose egg

LOL! Pervinca is very inventive!

Thank you very much for this wonderful story! I enjoyed every bit of it.
I'd say let's give Degger a time off! He deserves it :)

I'm looking forward to reading Part II!

Author Reply: LOL, you forgot "rat-haired"! Pervinca, as sweet as she is, has a sharp wit, too. And if someone pushes the right buttons, and pushes too hard, watch out - that terrible Took temper just might emerge.

You're another reader who nicely picks up on points I try to convey. Merry and Pippin have always come to Degger's defense, but now it's time for Degger to step out a little and defend himself. This is a key element that had to begin in this chapter and we'll see how the lad will develop it in Part II. He'll always have a shy side, but his new place in the family has given his confidence a boost. I just might drag the poor fella out of his holiday once or twice later this year to give an example of how he progresses. :-)

Thank *you* very much for taking the time to read Fate and drop a line to let me know how much you enjoyed it. :-)

PF

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/14/2007
This is a wonderful ending. It does leave a few loose ends--which makes me hopeful for a sequel.

I have to say, this part made me squee:

Degger wasn’t going to make a fuss, however, Pippin loudly cleared his throat to gain her attention, but still Saffron almost clung to her brother in his wake.

“Cousin Saffron,” Frodo firmly, but kindly, addressed the young lass, “You have not greeted your host yet. I’m sure it was an accident.”

Saffron froze in her tracks while Frodo spoke to her, yet said nothing in response. All at once, the chattering and laughter all around the cousins ceased. All eyes were on the lass with dark, shoulder-length curls.


*sigh* I just adore it when Frodo is all firm and "older-cousiny", lending his moral support here, with the weight of his adulthood behind it.

Degger can now feel secure in his family and his future, even if he's not completely certain *where* that future will lead, he knows he does have a real place in his world. And Pippin and Merry have once more proved they are true friends.

I would love to see you do just a little short follow-up ficlet, with Paladin and Eglantine reading their notes from Degger-Diggory.



Author Reply: Degger can now feel secure in his family and his future, even if he's not completely certain *where* that future will lead, he knows he does have a real place in his world.

Bingo! That is my answer to the loose-ends dilemma. :-) I probably did leave one or two loose-ends unintentionally because I've been so overwhelmed for a while - and that's what I was so worried about when RL reared its ugly head some months ago. From the start everything in the story had a purpose and, lol, well, when I started working 9-hr days and 6-day weeks, I had a hard time keeping up with *myself*, let alone the story. Fortunately, I made sure I got in the bits that were relevent to Degger's tale. But basically, the whole theme of this two-part tale is that Degger, like his new cousins, *does* have a purpose to serve in this world and that purpose will unfold in Part II. Part II is coming...but later this year after Degger's had a reprieve, lol. Stories like this are like a fire shut up in my bones, so it *will* get told. :-)

I'm glad you liked Frodo! I simply clouldn't imagine him allowing someone to disrespect a friend like that. Neither would Pippin or Merry; Saffron didn't stand a chance. ;-)

Pearl Took also expressed the same thing about a ficlet with Paladin and Eglantine reading their notes. You both shall have it. :-) I'll get on it as soon as I'm done with my next challenge tale.

Thank you so much for all of your encouragement as well and thank you for reading Fate!

PF

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/13/2007
A lovely ending PIppinfan.

Author Reply: And you have been a lovely reader! Thank you very much, harrowcat, for all of your encouraging words and for reading Fate. :-)

PF

Garnet TookReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/12/2007
I think this wrapped it up quite nicely.

It was very encouraging to see Degger becoming so much more comfortable and confident in his new role as a gentlehobbit.

Same on that muse! How dare she run off to mississippi to play the slots and, first of all, not invite you along and, second, not come back with anything to show for it. I'm assuming she went to that very nice, or it was 10 years ago, casino down by Meridian. she needs to let us know when she takes these roadtrips. She leaves you devoid of inspiration and blows her money. jeese.:)

Keep me informed on your next project. I'm dying to know all about it.

GT.

Author Reply: With friends like Pippin, Merry, and Frodo, Degger has no choice but to step up to the plate and stand tall. He will always be a little bit on the shy side, but he'll be fine. :-)

Meridian? Oh, no! - she has too many horrid memories of my days in A-School, lol. Or "Tech-school" for any Army types who need clarification. Yes, she has to let me know when she takes off like that so I can lock up my money.

When I'm ready to send out the first few chapters, I'll make an announcement on LJ and see if I get a response for takers. If at least 5 people become interested then I'll post it here on SOA. Anyone can request me to email it to them, I'm just doubtful as to how many people would be interested in a faith-type awakening for our beloved Tookling. Then again...He said where two or three are gathered... I'll have to think on this one. :-)

Thank you so much for all the lovely encouragement and for stopping by to read Fate. :-)

PF

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/12/2007
Bravo! Bravo!! Bravisimo!!!

This is wonderful! The entire story and this chapter is the icing on the cake!

Degger will be a wonderful gentlehobbit. I love that he felt sorry for Saffron, that shows a lot of wisdom on his part. He's a good lad :-)


But I'm feart that you have a wee story to tell. Degger can still be on his holiday, but I'd love to know what the notes said that were on Eglantine and Paladin's book marks ;-)

Author Reply: Oh, Pearl - there are so many gaps in this tale I didn't touch on that your idea is quite possible! At least I'll muse upon the notes given to Eglantine and Paladin. ;-)

I felt as a tween, Degger had to show a little more mercy towards the wee hag because he had to grow up a bit sooner than most children his age.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and then send a sweet and encouraging response - and you have always been an encouragement to me. :-)

PF

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 20 on 3/12/2007
Bravo! A wonderful story and a very fitting end. I enjoyed it very, very, much! I do hope Degger returns after he's rested up because I adore the character and would love to read more about him. Thank you for a great story!

Author Reply: LOL, oh, he'll be back. I just like to throw in a little variety - and I'm also a bit gun-shy after this last fiasco with updating on time. Well...on time *for me*.

I do thank you ever so much for stopping by to read even when work was taking up all your time and driving you nuts. LOL, maybe a short putt! I'll be around catching up on my reading. :-)

PF

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 19 on 2/5/2007
A lovely ceremony! Now Degger is official in every way. The family is restored again. I am so glad that Degger will no longer but considered as a servant but as an official member of the Took family. Bravo! Now, if only another chapter would magically appear. I am caught up and have nothing to read! LOL I shall await more patiently.

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 18 on 2/5/2007
I like the way Paladin handle this in his talk with Degger. He seems to have known just exactly what to say and how to say it. Great parenting that. It only seems right that Degger would wonder if his older brother could have been saved too. He must feel a bit of regret on that issue and maybe even a bit of survivor's guilt as well. I was so glad to get a minute or two of reading in this weekend! I managed to play catch up. I am now going to read the other lovely chapter of this story. Next weekend promises to be a long one with me working on Saturday so there will be no reading or writing time for a while. I will be thinking of you though and awaiting more of the story!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 19 on 1/30/2007
“I am happy...we talked about my presentation ceremony, but I don’t remember us talkin’ about me bein’ adopted.” The tweenager smiled wide, “I’m part o’ a real family now.”

Congratulations to Degger Took-Greenhill! Finally, he has a *real* family! And congratulations to Pippin who fulfilled his job as "presenter" (almost) perfectly ;-)

And now I'm looking forward to the feast!

Author Reply: Thank you! Yes, I thought becoming a Took would help Degger feel like he belonged somewhere--all young people need that. I, too, liked the idea of Pippin doing his part--and Merry, also. :-)

Thank you for reading!

PF

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