pipwise brandygin
· 29 June 2004
· Chapter 10: Chapter Ten
Oh, I love this story so much. I can't believe I haven't read it before! So congratulations on being recommended by Marigold and thanks to both of you for such a wonderful read! You've brought so much more depth to Pippin and Gandalf's relationship by showing how Pippin reminded him of old friends yet also distinguished himself in his own way. I love Gerontius and Isengar and Gandalf's friendship with them both, and it's rather poignant to think of Gandalf seeing all these generations of Tooks go past, each one a little different but possessing the same spirit and looks as others before him.
I'm so glad that Pippin was able to prove himself to Gandalf, he had a lot to live up to, didn't he! The last chapter was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes, I loved this line: "My fight and flight in Middle-earth is for these, unthanked though it may be." But I like to think that those last-minute hugs were all the thanks he needed - Hobbits are so good at showing their love and thanks through other means than words aren't they!
Also, I'm quite curious as to what your views are on Gandalf seeing them all again? I like to think he did, but I just assumed he would live on in Valinor and do whatever wizards do (not really well-versed in that.. lol).
Anyway, thank you again Pippinfan, I thoroughly enjoyed it! :)
Author's reply
Hello Pipwise! Its *always* nice to hear from you! :-) What a lovely review--and what shall I say to that? Thank you, from all of my heart. Your review is definitely a keeper; I'll cherish it for as long as my files are compatible! :-P I'd like to say indefinitely!
There is a "sequel" of sorts in The Storyteller; posted only on SOA. ff.net didn't give me the choice of Paladin Took, and the Story is told by him, and from his perspective. I do love my Tooks! :-)
Gandalf seeing them all again? Hmmmm. Are you throwing Plot Bunnies at me, too? Hmmmm. First read Storyteller and an upcoming story I submitted for Marigold's Challenge #6, then let me know what you think. If you turn your plot bunny into a plot rabbit (full grown), I'll give you credit. However, Lindelea (I so admire her writing!) submitted a wonderful story about "beyond the curtain" in one of Marigold's Challenges (#4?) that brought me to tears. I really don't think I could come close.
Thank you again, Pipwise, for reading Seahobbit, and taking time out of your busy schedule to review. Thanks. :-)
Pippinfan
FantasyFan
· 8 February 2004
· Chapter 10: Chapter Ten
A very satisfying ending. I have enjoyed reading this story, and learned a little hobbit-history, too. I think your Gandalf characterization is splendid. I especially liked, "It is through this small vessel of the One that I am now encouraged and strengthened on my journeys. My fight and flight in Middle-earth is for these, unthanked though it may be." Gandalf's mission is to give encouragement and strength to all in the fight against the darkness, but he is encouraged and strengthened by the goodness, the innocence and the love of the small folk. Just wonderful!
Author's reply
I couldn't agree more about Gandalf's mission, and I really liked the part of Isengar hugging him as well. I drew it from a personal experience some years ago, when a small child at a Bible study just walked up and threw her arms around my neck. I'll never forget that feeling of pure, innocent love, and so I thought to pass it on to Gandalf. Thank you for sharing in the story!
Pippinfan
FantasyFan
· 8 February 2004
· Chapter 9: Chapter Nine
Hobbits! Indeed. They're only as tough as dragon scales on the outside - inside they're just pudding. That's why we love 'em, I think. Poor Gandalf, anticipating his departure already. Do you think he'll ask Frodo and Bilbo to go with him partly so he can keep some hobbits to take care of, for a little while longer?
Author's reply
LOL... Absolutely! I'd certainly like to have Pippin and Merry. Oh, they'd be spoiled beyond recall! :-)
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 8 February 2004
· Chapter 10: Chapter Ten
Just wonderful! Thank you for this amazing story.
Author's reply
You're welcome--and thank you for reading it!
Pippinfan
This is wonderful. It may be my favorite of your stories and that is saying a great deal as I have enjoyed them all very much.
Author's reply
Now you really have me blushing! And I have enjoyed all of your stories as well! I know you were working hard yesterday; I thought of you as I was tapping out chapter ten on the keyboard, while you were doing the same thing on your keyboard! I notice your results have been posted, and I'm on my way to go check them out! Take care.
Pippinfan
I was surprised to see so much of this up when I logged on! I have much reading to do. I am so glad that Isengar wasn't dead. I like that hobbit!
Author's reply
I couln't kill off my star! I've kind of grown to like him, too. Thanks!
Pippinfan
Pervinca
· 8 February 2004
· Chapter 99999: Just a Note...
I loved it! A very interesting idea, comparing the three Tooks and Gandalf's interactions with them. I thought you portrayed Gandalf's thoughts very well. Fantastic work!
Author's reply
Thanks, Pervinca! That particular format was new to me, and I didn't know how it would come across; if I could keep the readers aware of the different time periods without confusing them--or the readers! I've done first-person narrative before and failed miserably, but Pearl helped me out on this one and kept me on my toes! Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
Connie
· 7 February 2004
· Chapter 99999: Just a Note...
Oops! I knew something wasn't right when I wrote the review I submitted. I misspelled Gandalf's name, not just once, but several times. I admit that I'm the world's worst speller, and I know I should have double-checked it, but I didn't. Sorry.
I really like the story.
I think I'll slink away and go practice my Middle Earth spelling list now.
Connie.
Author's reply
Don't be embarrassed! Check your spellcheck at the door when you post a review to any one of my stories. It's the heart of the matter or critique that counts to me. But I can't say too much; I'm hard on myself, too, when it comes to spelling. Its one of the few things I'm actually good at--except when I write long chapters and the words starttoruntogether, or my mind inserts a word that isn't there and it should be! Have a great day.
Pippinfan
Connie
· 7 February 2004
· Chapter 99999: Just a Note...
What a neat story. I like the parallels between the two hobbit. I always have felt that Gandolf had a special place in his heart for Pippin. He loved all the hobbits greatly, but let's face it, Pippin had that wizard wrapped around his little finger, probably from the first time they met.
Now you have me curious about what Gandolf told Pippin at the Havens. Oh well, the world will probably never know.
Connie.
Author's reply
And not only Pippin--Isengar, too! Gandalf was a sucker for charming and courageous hobbits--and so am I! I just didn't have it in me to figure out exactly what he would've told Sam, Merry, and Pippin at the Havens, and knowing me, I would've wrote it and thrown the chapter off kilter a tad. But I'm glad you enjoyed reading the story--thanks for sharing in it! Take care.
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 7 February 2004
· Chapter 99999: Just a Note...
This is a wonderful story! I always like to think that Pippin's love of life and plucky spirit were longstanding Took traits. And I like that they had a seahobbit in the family!
Pearl Took
Author's reply
A with a lot of your help, they did! I couldn't have pulled this off--especially the first person narrative and parallels--without your help. I am forever grateful. As you already know, I've really enjoyed writing this. Thanks for all your encouragement!
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 7 February 2004
· Chapter 10: Chapter Ten
I enjoyed every bit of this story! You drew a wonderful parallel between Isengar and Pippin, and brought us deeper into an understanding of Gandalf's heart. Thank you for this story.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading it! I really enjoyed writing it. The parallel part was a gamble..and I'm grateful it went off well. Thank you again, shirebound.
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 6 February 2004
· Chapter 9: Chapter Nine
"Hobbits!" indeed! I've enjoyed every delicious morsel of this story.
Meriadoc and Sam exchange looks. “You take yours, and I’ll take mine, Sam.”
What a delight!
Author's reply
It's always a pleasure getting a response from you, shirebound! Your encouraging words go a long way...
Thank you for all your reviews!
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 5 February 2004
· Chapter 8: Chapter Eight
Hah! I love this part: "They both glance in my direction every now and then to make certain I remain awake." I'll bet they did!
This continues to be an absolute delight.
Author's reply
LOL... Wouldn't you? Especially Merry! I am so glad you're enjoying this! Thank you!
Pippinfan
FantasyFan
· 4 February 2004
· Chapter 7: Chapter Seven
I'm glad to see that Isengar didn't die after all, and not surprised that he was brave enough to attack the Haradrim soldier. There's a nice parallel and contrast between Gandalf almost nervously watching the first healing, and more confidently participating in Pippin's recovery. He's leared a bit about how tough hobbits in general, and Tooks in particular, are. And you may very well be right about him returning to the Shire - I don't keep in mind very well the details of the Appendicies, so thanks for straightening that out.
Author's reply
I think it's interesting how readers pick up on things in my stories. Of course, it's not like I'm Anne Rice or anything, so it shouldn't be difficult! Thank you for taking the time to not only read, but also review the story. There are a few more chapters yet. Take care.
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 3 February 2004
· Chapter 7: Chapter Seven
So wonderful. You make me think of the part in ROTK (the book) when the hobbits are returning to the Shire, and the ruffians accost them and make fun of Frodo, and it's Pippin who draws his sword and demands an apology.
Author's reply
I remember that scene well! It's one of my favorites--though, any scene that involves Pippin is my favorite! :-P While I didn't quite have this scene in mind when I wrote it, I was going for *that* kind of response; I wanted Isengar's blood to boil at seeing the woman being hit, just like Pippin's did when the Ruffian called Frodo a...cock-a-whoop? Whatever that is...probably along the same lines as adder-cop! And I wanted Isengar to "save" the woman for the same reasons Pippin did for Beregond before being crushed by the Troll...just because it was a part of his moral character. Probably more information in this reply than you really wanted! :-X
Thank you, shirebound for all of your reviews...and encouragement. There are a few chapters left...
Pippinfan
FantasyFan
· 2 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Chapter Six
I have just discovered your story and I am enjoying it. Gandalf's character is interesting - curiosity, surprise at the hobbits, but underlying it, fondness and a bit of wistful concern over their innocence. And, it's quite fun to see there was at least one other hobbit as impulsive and as mischevious as Pippin. I think I remember from the geneologies that Isengar 'went to sea in his youth', and I don't think ever returned. So I have a sad anticipation that your cliffhanger in this chapter means he has died. Poor Isengar, he never had any training in weapons, and he wasn't prepared for war. Was he trying to defend the family from invaders? And does the sight of him, motionless in a puddle of blood, anticipate Pippin's next adventure, lying broken in a puddle of troll blood? I'll make sure to look for your next update.
Author's reply
Thank you, FantasyFan! I apologize for not responding sooner, but if I did, it would ruin it for you in the next chapter...and as it may still be some time before you read it, I'll hold off and reply again later, but the chapter is up for the reading.
Thank you,
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 1 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Chapter Six
OH, no! Is he dead? Is he injured? Who did this? You are a very, very, sneaky person to leave me like this! LOL (Guess I had this one coming didn't I?) Well, as you know, you are now even and I am waiting. Take pity on your other readers and don't make them suffer because of my actions!
Author's reply
Actually, the chapter was written before I read your little cliff hanger...but I did speed things up a bit...I'm so bad! The next chapter is posted, and I hope it's not disappointing.
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 1 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Still enjoying this very much and am on to read more!
Grey Wonderer
· 1 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Chapter Four
I love stories where Gandalf cares for hobbits. He is so interesting in his way of dealing with them. He is gentle and yet strict. Gandalf would have made someone a fine father. LOL
Grey Wonderer
· 1 February 2004
· Chapter 3: Chapter Three
Isengar is a very tricksy hobbit lad! I like him very much and I am enjoying this story. Seems Gandalf has his hands full with all of these Tooks!
Connie
· 1 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Chapter Six
O My Gosh! Aahh, a cliffhanger!
At first, I was more interested in the parts of the story that dealt with Pippin, but now I'm finding myself just a drawn to the parts about Isengar.
I like the parallels between Isengar and Pippin. Here they are seperated by 100 years, yet having so much in common. But,you do make it clear that their experiences are not identical.
Oh, this is so much fun.
Connie.
Author's reply
Thanks, Connie... I wish I was as perceptive as you and a few other readers. Most of the time, I go into a story and get lost in it. I don't look for undertones or implied meanings--even though I sometimes put them in my stories. As what I've written so far, Pippin and Isengar are the same ages while on their adventure, and while each one is unique, they're similar as well.
I'm really having fun with this story, too. Though, I think I'm going to go hide somewhere until Chapter Seven is proofed! :-P
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 1 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Chapter Six
I'm delighted with how often this story is updated! But... but... you're ending this chapter *there*? Omigosh. On the edge of my seat...
Author's reply
LOL...so sorry! There is more to come probably....tomorrow? I'm just now starting chapter eight...I have to get crackin'! My poor counterpart isn't feeling too well today, and I do hope she's feeling better tomorrow. Thanks for reading and for your encouragement!
Pippinfan
shirebound
· 1 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Ah, it's interesting to get an insight into the fact that Gandalf's thoughts about Pippin were inspired by his experiences with Isengar! You're drawing such a wonderful parallel.
"This hobbit has more Took blood in him than either of his two cousins, and so I know deep in my heart there is more to Peregrin Took than what he has displayed so far. He only has to be tested."
Grey Wonderer
· 30 January 2004
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
This is very original and very sweet so far. Can't wait for more. Keep it coming.
Author's reply
Thank you, GW, and I can see that you've been busy! On to your stories...
Pippinfan
Bluegrass Elf
· 30 January 2004
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
I like this story! It is very interesting.
Author's reply
Thank you, Bluegrass Elf! I'm glad you're enjoying it; there is more to come!
Pippinfan