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Thain Peregrin I: the First Days  by Garnet Took 4 Review(s)
LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 6 on 4/2/2014
Lovely chapter!

I like Pippin -- all grown up, is it possible Sam doesn't realise it until this moment -- establishing their relationship at the start (or maybe I should say "re-establishing" in that he's letting Sam know in no uncertain terms that his elevation to Thain does not affect their friendship as it has grown and been to this point).

(Am I making sense? Too much coffee this morning, and also pressed for time but I wanted to write a review to this before diving into the day, or I might never get around to it.)

And the way he goes at the sheep/wool figures -- his thoroughness (don't want to base a decision on just two years when I can look at five) does him credit.

Regi's answer puzzles me, regarding the fatness of the Thain's Hoard. You'd think so? Does that mean all is not as it appears?

The faerie wife explanation makes sense.

Also, Pippin's talking with Regi about the ways of Men rings true, and goes well with JRRT's Edict banning Men from the Shire.

Author Reply: Thank you so much for the thoughtful, and thought-pervoking, review.

You made perfect sense about Pippin and Sam's relationship. It is something that they have grown over time and Pippin wants it to contiinue to grow in the way it should and not be trammeled by his elevation to Thain. This event though is the last step any of them needed to take to have them all grown up so to speak.

Now I've got to figure out what the problem is in the treasury of Great Smials. You caught me on that and now I've got to figure out the mystery. I think I have the beginnings of an idea that I started working through over a Caramel Apple Spice at Starbucks in Target today. Anyway, I will resolve the problem, I promise. And, if I don't, you have the right to demand a story in which I do.

Glad the faery wife part worked. I was a little nervous about that, especially when the plot bunny hopped off into left field.

Thanks again for the review. It really was helpful.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 6 on 4/1/2014
A very nice chapter! I most certainly agree with you on the basic origin of the "Took fairy wife", as I've never thought a union of Elves and hobbits logical, and traditional fairies don't seem to have a place in Arda. Of course I've made use of that myself.

I loved Pippin reassuring and encouraging Sam for a change, and I am REALLY looking forward to seeing the results of his investigation into the sheep farmer's claims!

Author Reply: Thanks so much, Dreamflower. You were one of the people that I hoped would like this chapter. I knew you were working with concept of the Maiar being involved with the hobbits and I had got this idea right before you started posting "Ancestress". I agree that fairies just don't work in Middle Earth and the elves just seem so distant from hobbits in so many ways that I can't really see them together. I could even see hobbits and men, but for some reason, as I've given it more thought over the years, I decided that elves just wouldn't be involved with one of the lesser second born races.

I'm glad you like the part with Sam. He was always encouraging everyone, but who encouraged him?

As for the sheep farmers, I'm trying to fit that in. :) I will say that Paladin pinched every penny till the image on the coin hollered.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 6 on 4/1/2014
Whether a Maia-turned-Hobbit or an Elf maiden, whoever the Faerie Wife was left her mark upon her progeny. I rejoice that Pippin has done his best to use his own gift wisely and to guard himself from intruding unasked into the minds of others.

And I also rejoice that he appears to be digging deeply into his father's dealings with wool, fleeces, and yarns, as it appears that he will deal well by the sheep farmers.

Author Reply: I'm so relieved that this chapter didn't put everybody off. I have always seen Pippin as gifted in many ways but that he was reluctant to use some of them. He respects others enough to not use what he has for anything but the best reasons.

So many people see Pip as irresponsible, but they often forget that he grows up and has had good leadership modeled to him. He would look as the Thainship as his duty, just like being a Guard of the Citidel. He would put all his effort into it. Also this is a legacy that he will be leaving to his own son.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/31/2014
I believe in my heart of hearts that Frodo wanted you to be Mayor for as long as you’re here. He wanted your life to have a purpose beyond having been his gardener or even his dearest friend in darkest times.

What an interesting thing to share with Sam, and the rest of us.

And what a marvelous explanation as to why Pippin was so unique. I remember that he *saw* that Aragorn was following the orcs to find him and Merry, and other examples of his Sight. Well done, I like this a lot.

Author Reply: I think the three friends each know things from Frodo that they can pass on to each other when they need it.

I'm not really sure when it hit me that Pippin had some sort of foresight, it was very early on in my reading I'm pretty sure, but I knew then that it was important and defining element of he was.

Glad you stuck through this chapter and liked it. I'm feeling very relieved this morning.

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