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Sundry Scrolls II  by Raksha The Demon 7 Review(s)
Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 3 on 8/21/2008
Very beautifully written, Raksha! I hadn't thought before of tight rations, a sore trial even for a toughened hobbit like Pippin is by this point in the story.

Author Reply: Oops; how did I miss this review? Thanx for reading and commenting, Pearl. Yes, it would probably be more depressing for Pippin to miss a good breakfast than to face a battalion of Uruk-hai; but he's grown up enough to endure both.

Little DwarfReviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/29/2008
Wonderful! When I read the title and saw the protagonist of this ficlet, I was prepared for an angsty piece, but you knew better than that!! This was very in character for Pippin (he is a lot braver than he used to be, but remains the Hobbit who values the joys of life) and Beregond's appearance was fitted. I loved the little story! :)

Author Reply: I find it very difficult to write hobbits; and have only tackled hobbit angst peripherally. From the outset, this vignette was intended to show Pippin's courage and the strength of hobbits, as well as their priorities.

You are right that Pippin is braver than he used to be; he had to grow up quickly, and he has seen things that most hobbits, even most Tooks, never do; and learned about honor and courage (as well as developing his own). Pippin has always been my favorite hobbit.

Thanx for reviewing, Little Dwarf!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/24/2008
Oh, I do love this moment of comradeship between Pippin and Beregond. It seems entirely natural that at a time like this, a hobbit's thoughts would turn to food--and how wonderful that his new friend appears with it.

I also like the idea that Aragorn thought to send him some of the heartening cordial--it's very much what he'd have done, if he'd had any to hand. (And he might have, if Elrohir and Elladan had brought any with them.)

Pippin's resignation to the idea of death here is both so sad and yet still so hobbity--he's giving it up for friends, after all.

But it would be unbearable if we all didn't know the outcome will be better than he anticipates.

Author Reply: Aragorn knows that hobbits, above all the soldiers in the armies of the West, march on their stomachs; and he would know that the provisions are wearing thin, and think of the cordial for the far-from-home hobbit.

I think Pippin would have welcomed the combination of food and friendship; hopefully both made the prospect of imminent Doom easier to face.

Thankfully we do know that Pippin and dear Beregond will both survive and prosper - it would be horrible if the plot had turned out otherwise...

Thanx for the review, Dreamflower!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/29/2008
I just loved this.You capture Pippin perfectly.I especially liked their meal which had a very symbolic feel about it.A lovely piece.

Author Reply: Thanx for reviewing, Linda! I'm so glad you liked it (particularly since Faramir and Aragorn don't appear); I'm always more nervous writing hobbits, and Pippin is my very favorite halfling, I wanted to do him justice. As for the meal, well, trust a hobbit to awaken to that ghastly landscape, imminent death, and start thinking about food.

BranwynReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/27/2008
Poor Pippin is truly a stranger in a strange land, very far from the woods and fields of the Tooklands. I like the hobbit's eye viewpoint of this fic--Beregond towers over him. Yet despite their differences, it is clear that they are friends. Beregond is looking out for him, considerate of a hobbit's need for a good breakfast.

He hopped up briskly, ready as he would ever be for what was to come.

I especially liked this line; it seemed very hobbit-like and reminded me of Samwise's commonsense heroism. A fitting fic to honor the battle before the Black Gate.

Author Reply: Beregond knows about hobbit appetites from his time with Pippin in Minas Tirith; and I think he would be considerate enough to try to see to his small friend's comfort as much as he could - it's really the only thing Beregond could do at that time.

I'm so glad you liked the last line; I wasn't sure if it was right as an end to the story; and I don't have much experience writing hobbits.

Thanx for the thoughtful review, Branwyn!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/27/2008
Food shared is always so much better than that eaten solitary. I am glad that Pipin has Beregond. *wanders off to get her lone breakfast and bring it back to share with her virtual friends.*

Author Reply: Hope you had a good breakfast; harrowcat; and thanx for reviewing. Yes, I thought that Pippin would appreciate a breakfast, even a meager one, and even one he thought would be his last.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/25/2008
Well, now they are prepared, physically and spiritually, for what comes, as much as they can be, at least.

Author Reply: Ah, you're the first to review this story; thanx, Larner. I think it would be better to face almost certain death with at least some peace of mind, not to mention a decent breakfast...

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