StarFire by Lindelea
Hai Took · 28 June 2004 · Chapter 36: Recovering Nicely
I'm glad all the little hobbit children were able to brighten Ferdi's room! It's good that he is ready to be up and about yet, weather or no the healers say so! "‘What does “Hmmm” mean?’ Ferdi wanted to know.", hmmm the response to everything! Looking forward to more!
Bodkin · 26 June 2004 · Chapter 36: Recovering Nicely
Three breakfasts! Definitely on the road to recovery. Having to nail him to the bed! He must feel better.
FantasyFan · 25 June 2004 · Chapter 36: Recovering Nicely
Ah, the first thing to return to health in a hobbit is the appetite. It's really good to see Ferdi looking and feeling well with a sparkle in his eyes. What Pipppin's talk and hearty breakfast have started, the cheering of his nieces and nephews have finished, and Ferdi is well on his way out of bed. Lovely.
Beruthiel · 25 June 2004 · Chapter 36: Recovering Nicely
Looks like Pippin's plan to cheer Ferdi up worked beautifully. I wonder what Eglantine thinks of all this? Please update soon!
Connie · 25 June 2004 · Chapter 36: Recovering Nicely
That was a sweet chapter. I really like Pippin's Mum. She is probably the only person, besides maybe Merry, who can not only figure out what is going on in her son's mind, but can also exercise some control over him. What a strong woman. Thanks. Connie.
Grey Wonderer · 24 June 2004 · Chapter 35: Clearing the Air
I love Pippin with the babies! The perfect solution and so cute too! Seems Pippin has a trick or two up his sleeve yet. Now,if only the race turns out well. I imagine that Merry's ponies will be hard to beat.
FantasyFan · 23 June 2004 · Chapter 35: Clearing the Air
Pippin's found a clever way out of the difficulty, but better is that he realized that all the difficulty came about because of his temper, and his impulsiveness, combined with inexperience at leadership (though Ferdi is not blameless, more for his stubbornness than his actual misdeed). Now that all the motivations are out in the open, Merry and his ponies don't stand a chance, do they? I'm looking forward to seeing the children cheering Ferdi in the next chapter.
Author's reply
Yep, he's growing, though he'll lose it when Farry disappears in "Runaway". Still, I think that story is his last major mistake on the road to maturity. To write a foolish Pippin, one must go further back on the timeline. Yes, stubbornness and pride are Ferdi's greatest failings--along with arrogance, strange to say. All hobbits are equal, but Tooks are more equal than other hobbits, to paraphrase a famous writer. Though Pippin acts as a great equaliser, trying to nudge the Tooks out of their insularity and into the world. Thanks for reviewing, and thanks again for your kind words about my sweet writing companion. I tried to update my journal but my ISP is being sticky today for some reason.
Bodkin · 23 June 2004 · Chapter 35: Clearing the Air
That's better, Pippin. Share the scheme with Ferdi - he's just the sort of hobbit to go for last-ditch stands and heroics - and Pyrrhic victories. Clever with the babies - but what's this not being able to change something once it's said. Sounds a bit silly to me - especially if you then have to deviously find your way round it, so that the effect is exactly the same as changing it in the first place.
Author's reply
Ay-yuh. Ferdi and Pip are peas in a pod, both deserving the epithet "Fool of a Took". But entertaining. Definitely silly, what you mentioned, but very handy plot device. I try my best to get away with it, keeping in mind Tolkien's description of hobbits in general--narrow minded, bound by tradition, rather frustrating creatures, really. Sometimes readers find it a little hard to swallow, I suspect. But then my children are always trying to deviously find their way round things, so it seems second nature to write about people doing such. Thanks for commenting!
Beruthiel · 23 June 2004 · Chapter 35: Clearing the Air
That was brilliant, having Ferdi confess in front of babies. Pippin may be overly impulsive, but deep down he's a genius. Ferdi must be feeling better now. So Ferdi will try the All-Shire race? Pippin should wager with Merry, that might be quite interesting. Pip seems quite good with the babies. I've always thought he would have a talent with children.
Author's reply
O it does my heart good to have people call Pip a "genius". I try to write him that way, but really, I'm not as inventive as he is... Thanks for the review!
Hai Took · 23 June 2004 · Chapter 35: Clearing the Air
The children all demanding to see Ferdi was wonderful! Pippin with two babies had me a little confused but what a wonderful idea! To have Ferdi confess himself in front of the babes! Everything all fixed up between these two? For now at least it seems. Penny would certainly have a chance at the races I would think. There is still that matter of the farm, but I'm sure you will get that resolved as well! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Well, he borrowed the babies, but I've always had the idea that he'd be good with little ones (after enough practice with his own son, even if he didn't always have a gift with children). Yes, the confession in front of the babes has been in the works ever since Pippin first demanded it of Ferdibrand, way back when Ferdi confessed to "stealing" the stallion. Working ont he resolution even now. Thanks for reviewing.
Connie · 23 June 2004 · Chapter 35: Clearing the Air
Oh, I really liked this chapter. Pippin admitted both his plan and his a few of his weaknesses. The more I read, the more I see why I like your post-Quest Pippin so much. He and I are a lot alike. I too seem to spend a lot of times apologizing for words said impulsively. I've gotten better in the last few years, and I know he will, too. I did find one little tiny error. I think, near the end, you meant to type imposed instead of opposed. Oh, thank you so much for this great chapter. Connie.
Author's reply
Ah, you were right about "opposed". What would I do without alert readers? This chapter was fun to write, but it does mean that the story is winding down. Ferdi and Pippin are on the same page now, working together. The Brandybucks are in for a little surprise, I think. Thanks for reviewing, and noting that correction that was needed.
FantasyFan · 22 June 2004 · Chapter 34: At Breakfast with The Took
I too am worried for Ferdi, but I'm pinning my hopes on Farry and Elanor and Frodo Gamgee. What he needs now is not badgering and talking-to, but love and acceptance. That won't take away his problems, but it might make it easier to find a way out of them. I like how Woodruff has suspended judgement on Pippin. She remembers the flighty lad, but sees the maturing too. She's a good judge of character. Eglantine, on the other hand, will probably always have trouble seeing Pip as anything but her little troublemaker, though she also has faith in his essential goodness. Well, we'll see whether Pip or Farry is more successful with Ferdi. I read in your journal that your dog is very ill - I'm sorry to hear that. I know how pets become special members of the family, and the bond is all the deeper because of the unconditional and selfless love a dog shares so freely. I'm thinking of you and your family.
Author's reply
Well, things are looking up for Ferdi (latest chapter posted). Hope it's not a spoiler to say so. Thanks for the good thoughts. The dog is gone. Even though I put away her leash and collar, I keep tripping over memories... her Kong, her ball, the place where she slept next to the bed... I don't know what her future holds. She was a guide dog "career change" (not suitable for the program due to health problems). We returned her to Guide Dogs. They'll evaluate her and if they can find a way to stabilise her condition, they'll place her with another loving family that can afford the vet bills. I know they'll do what's best for her, whether it's putting her down or finding her another home. I just wish we could have kept her. We all miss her.
Beruthiel · 22 June 2004 · Chapter 34: At Breakfast with The Took
Oh, dear. I see trouble coming. Wonder what Pippin's going to do about this.
Author's reply
Now that the next chapter's been posted, you'll see exactly what Pippin's going to do about this. Thanks!
Connie · 22 June 2004 · Chapter 34: At Breakfast with The Took
Oh boy. Somebody's in for it now. I'm not sure who. Ferdi'g going to get an earfull from Pippin, that's a given. But, I think Pippin's going to be in his own share of trouble when all the truth comes out. His Mum's not going to be a happy camper, to say the least. I am, however, questioning the wisdom of the three women ganging up on him, even it was just "the look" times three. You would think they would know by now that Pippin, and his stubborn pride, doesn't take well to that. If he feels overwhelmed, he's going to take some sort of action, wise or not. This could get real interesting, real fast. Thanks. Connie.
Author's reply
Well, as you've already seen, it did get pretty interesting. It was a lot of fun to contemplate Pippin's formulating his plan and putting it into action. 'You want to borrow Harlo, Sir?' (Not that I'm one to gainsay the Thain, but...) 'Don't you worry, Mrs. Hoarfoot, you'll have your grandson back well before your daughter returns from market this morning!' I guess Ferdi *did* get an earful from Pippin...
Lyta Padfoot · 22 June 2004 · Chapter 34: At Breakfast with The Took
It looks as though Ferdi's going to recieve a lot more attention and TLC than he'll know what to do with. The hobbit has been hovering at the periphery long enough.
Author's reply
No more hovering for Ferdi from now on out. He's about to be dug out of his hole and I don't think they'll let him dive back in under any circumstances... Thanks.
Hai Took · 22 June 2004 · Chapter 34: At Breakfast with The Took
Uh-oh, Ferdi may be in for a tongue lashing from Pippin! How does Ferdi think not eating is going to help him keep his mares? I like that Woodruff sought out the Thain and all to speak about Ferdi's condition, very good of her to be keeping up with her patients like that, I know she is a healer and she wouldn't be a good one of if she didn't but it makes her seem so nice. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
As you know, Pippin's not going to let Ferdi stay depressed for very long. He knows just what's needed...
Bodkin · 22 June 2004 · Chapter 34: At Breakfast with The Took
I like the three sets of accusing eyes all staring at Pippin - and then he gets away (of course - he's spent years practising) It is very worrying when Ferdi stops fighting. He will fight everything - even when he doesn't need to. It is amusing how that is the thing that really worries Woodruff. Shows how well she understands her patients. I fancy Ferdi is about to receive some TLC from Farry and the Gamgees. Do him good.
Author's reply
I must say I like Woodruff. She's got a difficult job, being a healer amongst the Tooks, but she does it beautifully. I think you're right about the TLC, though it'll have to be in the chapter after the next one, which takes care of some necessary business. Thanks for reviewing.
Hai Took · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 33: In the Bargain
How terrible! First Ferdi nearly kills himself in the races and then doesn't even win for all that trouble! I'm glad that all the wagers were cancelled! It seems that in doing that Hilly sobered up on wagering! I'm glad Pippin got the whole reason out of Ferdi and now is able to see that perhaps he "pulled the trap too tight". I sure do hope Ferdi doesn't loose his ponies! Wasn't this mentioned in one of your other stories? Something about, I think it was Ferdi and Pippin talking, a pony jumping a fence to win the pony races? Looking forward to more, thank you!
Connie · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 33: In the Bargain
Looks like Pippin is getting a lesson in the long-term effects of his judgements. Now if Ferdi will put his stuborness aside and work with him, that will be a good thing. It seems that the best laid plans of mice and Ferdi always go astray. Ferdi and Pippin really are peas in a pod. They deserve to be stuck with each other for the rest of their lives. But I love them both; Pippin just a bit more though. Connie.
FantasyFan · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 33: In the Bargain
Here's some of that character development that you promised. Pippin has got to learn to think before he speaks. He'd congratulated himself on his cleverness with Ferdi, but his actions have reprecussions now. He's the Thain and he's got to start acting like it. Ferdi's got to open up a little and stop being so stubbornly self-sacrificing. Nobody can help him if he won't let them. Neither one is going to be good at these things for a while, but its a start. Oh, and collateral character development - Hilly has learned his lesson about wagering, though Tolly sadly has not. A good chapter, but I think there's more to come.
Beruthiel · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 33: In the Bargain
I liked the comparison of Ferdi to a fox in a snare. Pippin's insight here shows he's maturing from his old irresponsible days. I'm sure he's clever enough to come up with some way to let Ferdi keep his ponies and prevent the farm family from losing their home. Can't wait to see what happens at the Michel Delving race!
Bodkin · 18 June 2004 · Chapter 33: In the Bargain
Ferdi - the Fox in a snare - very perceptive. Ferdi is so badly damaged by all he has suffered. His self-worth is so low and he has no expectation of life ever becoming better for him. He expects kicks - and always looks at the apple given him for the maggot it will contain. I think that is probably why the Ferdi angst upsets me a bit (I know it is only a series of stories), because he seems to need some rewards along the way. The rewards that come - he is never able to trust them. I know that, in the end, he gets Nell and a family - and somehow, when he is fighting for them, the pain seems less important, because he has something to fight for. For all his life from the first fire to Nell, his life is empty of hope. I am sure Pippin can come up with a scheme, and it would be a good idea to share it with Ferdi now that he has realised what the problem is. Ferdi would suffer the angst better if only he felt he was in partnership with Pippin rather than always expecting to be the victim of fate. (I think that's why Pippin in Runaway makes me so angry. He knows all this and he knows Ferdi's loyalty and he still behaves like a louse.)
Connie · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Fool of a Took
Well I knew no good would come of Ferdi trying to win that race. He just never learns. Now they're all in trouble. It's no consolation now, but at least years down the road they'll all laugh about the pony from Rohan joining the race. Connie.
Author's reply
Well, he does learn, but this story is fairly early on the timeline. And with "Thain" I'm going even earlier, thus a younger Pippin and younger Ferdi and possibly stupider mistakes. Bear in mind that they do get wiser as they get older... It was fun to write the race sequence and the Rohan stallion's intrusion after hinting at it in "Rain". Thanks for commenting! Hope to "see" you Monday.
Beruthiel · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Fool of a Took
Oops, it was Hilly who bet six months' wages, not Tolly. Looks like they're both in need of Gamblers Anonymous.
Author's reply
Yup, it was Hilly, though Tolly might have made the same mistake. Because he would have won his wagers, it isn't an issue in this story (though perhaps it ought to be).
Beruthiel · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Fool of a Took
Yup, Ferdi's a fool, all right. He ought to be on liver rations for a month to teach him a lesson (now there's angst!). It would have been fun to see the crowd's faces when the new pony showed up. Oh well, can't have everything. Now if only these unexpected events could make Tolly stop wagering! How much did he bet on the race, was it six months' wages? There's a candidate for Gamblers Anonymous. Hopefully "Runaway" will scare him out of this habit. So how long is Ferdi in bed this time? I know he's up and about by the big wildfire, but that's still a few months away. I'm having visions of his sister tying him to his bed and barricading him in his room until he forgets what a pony looks like.
Author's reply
Thankfully Ferdi didn't do as much damage to his leg as he might've. The tight binding bandage gave it needed support, and he didn't break anything loose, and he kept it clean, so it ought to heal despite his foolishness. A week, or less, I think, before he's hobbling about, and another before he's riding, giving him two weeks to prepare the Rohan pony for the All-Shire Race. Tolly may well have wagered six months' wages on the race, and he didn't get the scare that Hilly did, so his wagering will continue, sadly, until "Runaway". As far as seeing the crowd's faces, well, sometimes the reader's imagination is more fun than the best description a writer can supply. Liver! Angst! Aargh! I seem to have answered your comments in reverse order. Ah, well. Need to take a couple days' break and get a few other things in order (like the house. and the yard. and...) Thanks for commenting!