Grey Wonderer
· 9 December 2004
· Chapter 48: Hearts in Despair
No last minute change of heart? I cried almost all of the way through this and then when Merry started crying, I really lost it. If Merry's worried, then I am too. I did feel sorry for Merimas but I know that Pippin was doing what any parent would and that is to try everything. Pippin is so sick himself now that I wonder if he'll just want to give up and go with her when she goes. So sad and so very well written.
Author's reply
Thank you, Grey Wonderer! Sorry, no last minute change of heart. I almost did after Lilas died, but I guess you can say I'm back in the saddle.
I purposely wrote Pippin as a desperate parent--because most any parent would be frantic at that point. I deal with it a bit in the next chapter. There was a website I accidentally visited (accidentally, because now I can't find it again!) while doing research for Roses months ago, and it had a drawing of a woman dressed like Lady Libery holding a baby in one hand and a smoking gun in the other. The caption read something like this: "Never come between a mother and her child." And its so true, and I'm writing Pippin somewhat in that fashion. He would die for his own child. I'll leave it at that. ;-)
Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
I'll be reading your updates to one of my favorites today. :-)
Pearl Took
· 9 December 2004
· Chapter 48: Hearts in Despair
"Unnoticed by the others, Merry crept towards the empty corner near the window that held little light from the main part of the sitting room. The young hobbit stood alone in the shadows, partially hidden by the drapes as despair overwhelmed him. Leaning against the wall, Merry’s knees weakened under the weight of cares upon his shoulders, tears falling as he himself slipped down on his haunches in the nook of the corner…where he quietly wept."
Oh My Goodness!!!!! This is so incredibly heart wrenching and elegant!!!! You, my dearest Pippinfan, are an incredible author!!!!! And you go nuts over my word pictures . . . open your eyes and look well at your own, they are fantastic!!!!!!!
(it's an exclamation day ;) )
Author's reply
Aw, Pearl!! That means so much to me! But I do have to say, you are soooo much better at it than I. It's not just the picturesque art that you paint with words, its that you draw (pull) me into that portrait of your tale. Your characterization-art is magnificent, and written by a brilliant author. :-) Thanks for reading Roses.
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 9 December 2004
· Chapter 48: Hearts in Despair
Oh, how could you?:) What a place to leave them. I understand, though. You have to take a deep breath before the final plunge. The end is very near for Rosebud now, isn't it?
Actually, Merry is doing a very good thing; getting his grief out before the actual event so that he can be strong for Pippin. It is always hard when everyone involved is falling apart. It is a blessing to have someone who can keep themselves together.
This is going to be especially hard on Pippin. The grief he is going to experience is bad enough, but to be ill himself at a time like this is even more devistating. If Pippin becomes very ill, this could be very bad for his whole family. They may fear that they will lose them both.
Oh, man, don't keep us in suspence too long. My mind is already coming up with horrible ideas of what could be about to happen.
I am glad to see this update. I was just thinking about emailing you to see how things were going.
Take care.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
I really do look forward to your responses, Connie! And you're so sweet for wanting to email. Yes, I'm still dealing with distractions, but I was a bit ill myself last weekend, so Pippin's illness is coming first-hand! :-P
Pippin will have a handful between Rosebud and himself. His poor family will be going through the wringer...right along with him. Much is coming up. :-) Gotta get back to writing...take care!
Pippin
Grey Wonderer
· 30 November 2004
· Chapter 47: A Day at a Glance
Lovely chapter. It seems as if Merry isn't the only one who is about to be sick. Pippin seems to be about to have something also. Looks as if Pip's parents may have to do what Eglantine is afraid that she can't do, watch the baby will everyone gets well. I am looking forward to more of this and to the challenge story. I hope things get quiet so you can work, but if children are involved you may just have to buy some ear plugs. Maybe Santa will bring you some.
pipspebble
· 30 November 2004
· Chapter 47: A Day at a Glance
Another sweet, if ominous, chapter. You so have me by the nose here. Keep leading me down that dark path! Wonderful job, as always. :-)
Connie B.
· 30 November 2004
· Chapter 47: A Day at a Glance
It looks like Eglantine spoke too soon. Both Merry and Pippin are sick. This is going to get complicated with them both ill and Rosebud in need of care.
Well at least there is now a connection between Pippin's family and Diamond's. I'd love to see something come up involving them for Marigold's Challenges.
I bet I can guess where you got the idea for Merry to have allergies.:)
So the angst is put off a little longer. Sorry that you're not getting the peace and quiet your muse needs. Hope this gets better, or that she adjusts to it.
I'm glad you posted today. I had been debating about emailing you to see how it was going. I know things have been crazy with the move and the holidays and all.
Take care, and I look forward to the next chapter.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Nah....the angst isn't really put off, I just didn't want to hit wee Rosebud all at once like I did her mother. :-P She's a ficticious character, but a baby just the same, and I wanted to enjoy her for a bit more.
The part of Dom having allergies in the EE-DVD for FOTR should have been obvious to me, but I honestly forgot all about it when I wrote a ten-year-old Merry having Hay Fever in The Byrdings (a story I wrote a year ago).
You are so wonderful for all the great responses you write! Oftentimes you get me to thinking... Take care, and thanks for reading Roses! :-)
Pippinfan/Terry
Rosie-Ann
· 30 November 2004
· Chapter 47: A Day at a Glance
*applauds*
You know I wish you'd write Dia, but if this is all I'll get, I'll make due! :-D
Lovely chapter, once again, my dear Terri.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like it! Thanks for reading!
Pippinfan/Terry
Pearl Took
· 30 November 2004
· Chapter 47: A Day at a Glance
Wonderful as always and such a great building up of plot and characters. You should write Diamond in, I'm sure your Diamond would be wonderful!!
Author's reply
You're a great Mentor, Pearl, but I can't--at least not in this story. Plus, I have some mighty big shoes to fill! Peregrin & Diamond and More Than Cousins will live infamously in my imagination as a wonderful showcase of Tolkien's universe. I still have to figure out more of who I believe Diamond to be...but you'll see a bit of something soon. Thanks for reading and being such a huge help with Roses--I couldn't have done it without you. :-)
Pippinfan
pipspebble
· 18 November 2004
· Chapter 46: No Promises
Sweetie, I'm sticking with you 'til the bitter end. You do angst so beautifully, how can I resist? You're doing an absolutely marvelous job with this story and I admire you more than I can say. :-)
Author's reply
Yikes...I'm tongue-tied again. Your kindness does more for me and my imagination than I can say--thank you. I will say here, though, that you're quite the angsty writer yourself--you know which one I'm speaking of. It just may end up on my favorites. :-) Thank you for sticking with me--I'm so glad some folks are willing to go through this with me. Thanks again! Take care.
Pippinfan
Beruthiel
· 18 November 2004
· Chapter 46: No Promises
*sniff*
Oh dear, now you've got me worried about Pippin's sanity. Whatever will he do without Rosebud? I suppose I should thank you; you're giving me more good angsty ideas for my sequel. (*evil grin*)
I do apologize for not reviewing the last few chapters, but RL has been getting in the way. I'll definitely stick with this story to the end.
Author's reply
Hehehe...trust me, Pippin is still very much sane. Happy to oblige! ;-) However, you'll be getting more than you bargained for in the near future. I'm terribly sorry about RL--I've said to another reader, it can really be a kicker. Hope life looks brighter soon! :-) Take care.
Pippinfan
Rosie-Ann
· 18 November 2004
· Chapter 46: No Promises
*sniffle*
Why are you so good at this? Not fair.
Off Topic: I saw RENT last night! It was wonderful and it made me cry. And I was in the front row!
On Topic: This also makes me cry. But not today - not yet.
Author's reply
LOL...I don't really consider myself "good at this"; I simply like to write the drama I see in my wild imagination. I'm just relieved that others enjoy the same things. Thanks, Rosie for reading Roses! (couldn't help myself) Take care.
Pippinfan
Kriszta
· 18 November 2004
· Chapter 46: No Promises
O, I will definitely continue on reading! This is one of my favourite ongoing stories, and I would't miss any chapter. Thank God I have no reason in my personal life yet what would force me to stop reading. I am glad that you also will continue on writing. Thanks and hugs!
As for the story - speaking of the feedback - I can't write too much, because I love this story in this form, with this storyline and the portrayal of characters, I am content with how it goes. I am courious, though, if you will draw Diamond into the story in the future or you stop before their first meeting and falling in love. But I don't want to give you directions, I just love happy end.
Author's reply
Hello, Kriszta! Wow...what do I say to all that? Its not often my tongue is tied, but I am at this moment. However, those moments don't last long! Your kindness and wonderful encouragement are humbly recieved. Thank you--and thanks for continuing on with Roses. I hope nothing in RL (real life) ever keeps you from anything--because it can really be a kicker! :-P Hmmm. Diamond. Readers have asked me about her, but as odd as it sounds, I haven't adressed her character too much in my imagination. I'm just now formulating who I think she is, so I'm not really going to put her in this story. Plus, Beruthiel is wanting to do a sequel--I think she's going to address Diamond, though it will be her Diamond. I was wanting to get close though, but I will leave it at that for now, until I can see it clearer--or if it will mesh with what I have already with Roses. We'll see now it goes. Take care, and thanks again. :-)
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 46: No Promises
Oh my! A wonderful and powerful chapter! Such love and such pain you are putting us all through, characters and readers alike. And yet, the tenderness is still there. I'm sticking with you! :)
Author's reply
Wow...thanks, Pearl! I'm flabbergasted at the response to this particular chapter--thank you. Thank you for sticking with me to the end. I see you've updated to Fear...I'll be stopping by. :-) Take care.
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 46: No Promises
Whoa! That was intense. As much as I hate to say it, and as sure that I wouldn't be able to do it either; I was hopeful that Pippin would be able to honor Rosebud's wishes, even though they're only expressed through a dream. Her last days are going to be traumatic and he's going to suffer for it, too. How sad for everyone. I can't imagine how I'd deal with something this bad, and I hope I never have to. Having a two-year-old running a temperature of 106 was scary enough, and yes you read that right...106. All I could think was nothing could happen to her 'cause she was all I had, and, thankfully, nothing did.
I'm with to the bitter end on this. Life is often hard, and just because it's fiction doesn't always mean the ending is automatically happpy. Yes, we all love the happy ending, but no one always has that happen. Sometimes we learn the most from the hard times, and those hard times make us appreciate the good times all the more. I know the three hardest things I've gone through have made me a much better person, and a better parent. I've had friends tell me so, too. Leaving this story now would be like walking out on a dear friend in his/her time of trial, and i can't do that; not any more. I made a vow to that effect, and I'm extending to fictional friends, too.
Thanks for sharing this emotional story with us. I have found it relivant, I guess that's one word for it. It's made me think about the important things, and that's a very good thing.
I'll step down from the soapbox now.:) My daughter can't sleep, so I'm off to do the good mom thing.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Step up on your soap box anytime. ;-) Thank you for such gracious encouragement. I do look forward to your articulate reviews! Although I can't really address too much of Pippin's dream as I am yet dealing with that, but you'll evenutally see where I'm going with it.
Bless your wee babe's heart! 106! I'm so glad she got better (and I'm sure you are, too!)--I admire mothers who are just that; mothers taking care of their little ones and sticking it out. Trust me, some don't. I tip my hat to all mothers who do. :-)
Thank you for reading Roses, Connie--and for travelling the rough road ahead with me. As I said, I can use a few good companions. Thanks again.
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 17 November 2004
· Chapter 46: No Promises
I like your use of dreams in this story. The last line here is very telling. I also loved Merry's speech. He didn't cut Pippin any slack for other offenses and so what he said about Pippin's parenting skills sounded that much more truthful. Interesting about the new baby that may be coming even as Pippin tries to keep Rosebud with him. I find myself wondering if the child will play any part in helping Pippin to heal? I only cried once, which began with Pippin's shout to Merimas and stopped with the last line of the chapter. (as Gimli reminded Legolas after the elf had killed the olliphant, "That only counts as one!") In spite of the toll this is taking on my kleenex, I am sticking around to the finish. I love your writing.
Author's reply
Aww. I'll buy you a box of Kleenex someday! You've pulled out a few misty drops when I've read Home Again. The birth of Pervinca's second child is too far away to play any part in Pippin's healing, but I did want to portray a contrast of sorts. Someone else, whose "tale" in this story won't be AU will be helping Pippin out. Can you guess? Thank you for the compliment--and ditto for you! Thanks for sticking around. :-)
Pippinfan
Rosie-Ann
· 12 November 2004
· Chapter 45: Pippin's Riddle
NOOOOO! DON'T LET HER GET SICK AGAIN, TERRI!!!!!
*is at "that time of month" and very emotional*
*sobsob* get better, Rosebud, please!
Author's reply
Well...so sorry...on both counts! Thanks for reading Roses. :-)
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 11 November 2004
· Chapter 45: Pippin's Riddle
This is a truely beautifully written chapter. I could feel the fear and ache in Merry and Pippin, esp. Pippin. And the strange feeling when they were near the graveyard . . .
Wonderfully done!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl! That is a lovely compliment coming from you. And congratulations on your MEFA awards for Pippin's Crucible and Fear! Yeay for Pearl! :-)
Pippinfan
Pervinca
· 11 November 2004
· Chapter 45: Pippin's Riddle
Oh, no! You are not allowed to do that! You've already made us all upset when Lilas died, you can't kill Rosebud too! I mean, I know that since they're both your own characters, you have every right to kill them off, but you can't do that to your faithful readers who have fallen hopelessly for Rosebud :P
The suspense that has been building up over the past few chapters is fantastic.
- Pervinca
Author's reply
You almost make me feel bad! Thanks for the 'suspense' compliment--thats how I took it. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to read Roses and leave a response. Take care!
Pippinfan
Poor Pippin! How mush more can he stand and still go on? Merry is about to have his hands full and I am not sure that the dreams are going to help him when this happens. So close to his loss of Lilas too. I keep thinking maybe you'll decide to do a total AU and let her stick around. Waiting for more and wondering if the kleenex will hold out.
Author's reply
Well...don't want to do a "total AU", but believe me, the thought has crossed my mind! :-P Merry *will* have his hands full, but that's what friends are for. :-) I think we're all still a little numb from Lilas, so I can't see the Kleenex company having a huge upsurge in business yet. Take care, and thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
pipspebble
· 10 November 2004
· Chapter 45: Pippin's Riddle
Oh, my, oh, my, it has begun. A disquieting chapter, but supurbly done. This is going to be tough, isn't it? I greatly admire you for being able to write it. I'm not at all sure I could tackle such a task. You rock. ;-)
Author's reply
You hit the nail on the head. Writing this story does affect me...more than I ever thought. But as I told another reader, the desire and challenge to write this story supersedes the anxiety I experience. You are a fantastic writer yourself--I believe you could write such a story as well. :-) Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Oh dear - I don't like where this is going and honestly I am not sure I can keep reading this because I am now very sure you're going to do what I thought you were going to do with Rosebud...
This is lovely and well-written - I'm just not sure I can handle what you've obviously got planned after reading the account of Lilas's death...
*sniff*
Author's reply
I can understand that this part of the story will be unsettling to some, however, I'm sorry all the same to know you may leave at this point--but I understand. Way back yonder, when I first brainstormed this story, I didn't realize just how this would affect me--as the author. Believe it or not, it does! But the desire and challenge to write this story supersedes the anxiety I experience. Thank you for reading Roses this far, and thank you for all the lovely comments and encouragement! Should you leave, I hope that in time you'll be able to come back to it. Take care!
Pippinfan
melilot hill
· 10 November 2004
· Chapter 45: Pippin's Riddle
I was glad that finally happier times were coming for Pippin and his daughter, but of course it couldn't stay that way. Now you've got me all worried again.
Author's reply
So sorry, melilot! Pippin will be happy again...though it will be after I'm finished with him in this story. :-P Our beloved Pippin is resilient--he'll be fine. Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 10 November 2004
· Chapter 45: Pippin's Riddle
Oh dear, here we go. Poor little "Muffin". This sounds really bad. She's got pneumonia, doesn't she?
I've always suspected that Pippin was a tad bit foresighted. He just sometimes seems to know hints of things that are happening far away or things soon going to happen. He's obviously having a foreshadowing dream of Rosebud's death. I hope he is strong enough, at the time, to honor her wish. That would not be easy for any parent.
I knkow it wasn't funny, but I could so relate to the moment when Rosebud threw up. My daughter did that exact same thing to me when she was about six months old. I was more of a mess than she was.
On an off-topic note, how's the move going?
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Bingo, Connie...though some dramatics will be thrown in. I'm not a doctor, but I'll do my best to keep it realistic. You touched on the premise of this bit of plot with Rosebud, but I don't really want to say too much about it here...but I'll talk more on it at the end, the method to my current "madness".
I completely understand the wee chuckle you got--when kids are sick, they let loose whenever and wherever. ;-)
As far as the move, I'm closing on Monday now because today was Veteran's Day--Rememberance Day for those abroad. I'll PM you with more later. Thank you so much for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
pipspebble
· 6 November 2004
· Chapter 44: Alone in the Dark
Oooh, the foreshadowing in this fic is about to *kill* me! Coolness how you began the story with an inebriated Pippin and are now coming back to him. Makes me worry about just where you're going with this. Good thing I trust you. ;-)
Author's reply
Well...he won't end up on Skid Lane in Hobbiton, that's for sure. ;-) This upcoming "event" will be different than the one before it...with a bit of a twist, if you will. Stay tuned! :-) Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Author Reply: Oh...and you trust me, eh???? *wicked laughter*
PF
Rosie-Ann
· 5 November 2004
· Chapter 44: Alone in the Dark
*grin*
Cool! Beautiful! I love it!
I'm so happy that these latest chapters have been happy. :o) Keep writing, Ter, I love it!
Author's reply
Thanks, Rosie--I'm glad you liked it! :-) Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan