Grey Wonderer
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 37: Decisions
It's all so sad and my keyboard is wet at the moment so forgive any typos. I am very glad that Pippin has his sisters to support him through all of this but I am now worried that the baby is going to become sick from the time that she has nursed and that Pippin will lose them both. I am constantly thinking of the worest in most situations. (sorry) Too emotional here. It's so well done, all of it. You should be very proud. It's a great story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Grey Wonderer. That is the comparison between the Tooks and Broadhammers. Lilas' family love one another, but the Tooks are very tight--very "clannish". Have no fear about the worst; even I couldn't do a double-whammy to Pippin. There are quite a few chapters left... Take care!
Pippinfan
MysteriousWays
· 14 September 2004
· Chapter 36: The Pieces of My Heart
But I don't want Lilas to die!!!!
This is all so sad. I'm all weepy. Does that tell you how well you are doing with this? *sniff*
This is getting harder to read because I like Lilas so much and I don't want her to die. I want them to live happily ever after.
You are doing really well with this, my dear. I am very much impressed. ((HUGS))
MysteriousWays
Grey Wonderer
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 36: The Pieces of My Heart
I wish Lilas could be right about the stew as a cure this time. My tissues are going quickly on this one. I fear I may need another box or two before you get finished with this one. I am glad her father came and that Pippin got the chance to tell him what he thought if it all. You write beautifully.
Author's reply
Thanks, Grey Wonderer! I wish the stew was a cure-all, too, but...the Shire is a bit limited in her resources. Yeah, I just couldn't let sleeping dogs lie with the issue of Silas. We'll see what transpires in the next chapter... Thanks for reading Roses! Now, off to catch up on some good stories I've missed out on this week!
Pippinfan
Beruthiel
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 36: The Pieces of My Heart
What a sad chapter! Poor Pip.
Anxious to see Lilas's reunion with her father. Hope he's ready to forgive her at last.
Can't wait for next update, even though it's bound to be heartbreaking.
How will Pippin manage to take care of Rosebud alone?
ps. You still haven't answered my e-mail.
Author's reply
Thanks for reading, Beruthiel--unfortunately, I can't answer your questions here--but I *can* let you know to stay tuned... Thanks for reading Roses. :-)
Pippinfan
p.s. So sorry! I'll need to go back and re-read it. I haven't posted much about my life recently, but the week before Labor Day and up through it until last Monday, I was a busy beaver cleaning up. My house is finally on the market, leaving me a lot more leisure. I'll make sure to reply before the weekend is over. Again, my apologies.
pipspebble
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 36: The Pieces of My Heart
Oh, you are just prolonging the agony of antici.................pation, aren't you? My heart is breaking for all of them. And the thought of that poor little motherless mite....*sniff* ... it is too much for one little hobbit to bear! Poor Pippin! I'd say I look forward to the next chapter, but that's kind of like saying I'm looking forward to having a root canal; it is going to be soooo painful. What a master (mistress?) you are at wringing out every last drop of angst in a story! Fabulous job, still. So what if you have us all in tears?
Author's reply
Trust me, *I'm* not the Mistress of Angst! I've had some really good teachers--you included! How about "Journey of the Heart"? That story had me bawling! Thanks, pips--and here's a box of cyber-tissue. ;-) Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 36: The Pieces of My Heart
Oh, now its really starting to get sad. I had thought about Pippin needing to find a wet-nurse for Rosebud, but he doesn't seem up to thinking about it just yet. I hate to say that Pearl is right; he needs to start thinking about what he's going to do. I know it is hard. No one would want to plan for another person's death when it isn't obvious that it is eminant(sp). Hard stuff to deal with that young, and after all the other problems of the past few months.
I'm glad Silas is a humbler hobbit than he was. I'm also glad he gets to apologize to his daughter. Not making things right would be the worst tragedy.
As sad as it is, I'm still looking forward to the next chapter.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Thank you, Connie--I think you're pretty much on the right track...stay tuned! ;-) Thank you so much for taking the time to read Roses and always leaving such thoughtful responses. :-)
Pippinfan
Rosie-Ann
· 10 September 2004
· Chapter 36: The Pieces of My Heart
*sobsobsob*
I am literally crying my eyes out! Not the least because of the sadness of it all but..
I've fallen in love with someone who makes my life wonderful and bright and more beautiful than I could have imagined. And just the thought of losing him, even though nothing has really happened between us...even THAT is too unbearable. I can't imagine what Pip's going through. He may not be IN love with her, but he loves her deeply. So deeply.
Oh, eggshells, Pippinfan, you're so MEAN! *snifflesnifflecry*
Author's reply
That's our Pippin--when he loves someone--be they friends, relatives, or a lass so dear, he loves with a fierceness that runs deep. For that reason alone, it's not a good idea to threaten or insult those same friends and family; he's already proven that he will fight to the death for those he loves.
Thanks for reading Roses--Rosie!
Pippinfan
Rosie-Ann
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 35: Uncertainties
*sobsnifflesob* No No NO! I mean, I KNOW what happens, eventually, because of the beginning, but...
No No NO!!!!! *cries*
Author's reply
There, there, Rosie...take a deep breath. Look for the next update this weekend! :-)
Pippinfan
Rosie-Ann
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 34: The Verge of Love
Oh, good! ^_^ I'm not the only one to call them Nappies! *giggles* I'm writing a new Hobbit-story and "nappies" were mentioned, but I wasn't sure if that would really be the right name...
...now if it isn't, I can blame it on you! :-P
~Rosie-Ann
Rosie-Ann
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 33: Parenthood
"A/N: Has everyone purchased their tissues?"
*sniffsniff* YES! And it's just the SWEET part right now! *wails* Poor PIIIIPPIN!
Rosie-Ann
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 31: It's a...
"Pippin and Lilas immediately commenced their own assessment of their baby. Together they unwrapped the snug baby blanket, then starting from the bit of downy fur on her feet, they counted ten toes; there were two legs, two arms, and ten digits on the pair of tiny hands. She had a crowned but rounded head, two eyes, a little nose, two tiny pointed ears that still pressed to her head. A few wisps of wet curls still clinging to the back of her small head held a slight tinge of dark red; the same color as Lilas’ hair. Yes, the babe was small, pink, and thin--but she was theirs--their daughter."
^_^ Couldn't resist quoting this - TOO cute! Yes, there were ten toes, and two legs, and two arms...*giggle* So adorable! I love it I love it I love it!
~Rosie-Ann
Rosie-Ann
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 30: The Calm Before the Storm
For some reason, I didn't get notified when you updated! *Gasp!* So I JUST NOW saw all the new chapters!
Needless to say (given my track record of adoring this story ^_^), it doesn't matter that it's Midnight - I'm finishing what you've got up!
Oh, and Pippinfan? Update SOON! <3
~Rosie-Ann
Pervinca
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 35: Uncertainties
Oh, poor Pippin and Lilas. The way they've just practically condemned her to death. Sounds like you've given her a Staph. infection of the uterus - but I can't be bothered getting my "Handbook of Clinical Diagnosis" out to check, lol. For all that Pippin tried to not be in love with her, he really does care for Lilas. Are they going to let her know what she's facing, I wonder?
- Pervinca
Author's reply
You're doing pretty good on your own--its modern name is "endometritis", and the "ancient" name (I believe) is "child bed fever". Stay tuned for the next chapter going up on Friday. ;-) Take care, and thanks for reading!
Pippinfan
lmw
· 29 August 2004
· Chapter 35: Uncertainties
It took me a while to read all of this, having just found the story. I have really enjoyed your writing, making your own story and still keeping bits that we know and love about the hobbits. I can't wait for more!
Author's reply
lol...it's taken me a while to write it, too! Thank you for reading Roses and for your lovely compliments. Stay tuned, because the next chapter is going up this Friday. :-) I do try to update on a regular basis, but RL has gotten in the way on a few occasions. Thanks again!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 29 August 2004
· Chapter 35: Uncertainties
Broke open the box of klenex on that one in a big way. Very sad. I am wondering if they will tell her or if maybe she will just know. If being involved in the quest didn't take all of Pippin's childhood then this will surely do it for him.
Author's reply
So sorry--it was a long week last week and a long weekend to boot. But my house is finally on the market!! Yeay!!! Will they tell her? Hmmm...the next chapter is coming up...stay tuned. ;-)
Pippinfan
Beruthiel
· 28 August 2004
· Chapter 35: Uncertainties
Just noticed something. In this chapter it sounds like Lilas' and Saborra's birthdays are one day apart, but earlier (chapter 8, I think) it says Saborra's birthday is in October.
Author's reply
Dang you're good! Its been a busy week--thanks!
PF
pipspebble
· 28 August 2004
· Chapter 35: Uncertainties
*sniff* *sniff* *sniff* You *hic* aren't *hic* going *hic* to *hic* make *hic* this *hic* easy --------ARE you? No? I thought not. Waaaaaaaaaaaa!
Author's reply
Nope. ;-) Hang in there, pipspebble! I'm sure you have something lined up for me in the next challenge! :-) Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Beruthiel
· 28 August 2004
· Chapter 35: Uncertainties
I was right! I knew that line in chapter 24 was foreshadowing!
So it's a uterine infection? I was way off, then. I was thinking meningitis or diptheria.
Poor Pippin. (I seem to be saying that a lot. In every update I've read today, things are going wrong for Pip.) Poor Lilas, too. Will the next chapter deal with them telling her what she has? Will the midwife tell her, or will Pippin do it himself? That would be one of the most emotional scenes I've ever seen in fanfic.
btw, did you get my last e-mail (Aug 26)?
Author's reply
Don't feel bad, Beruthiel--everyone was off. I was starting to chomp at the bit because just about all the readers were making guesses, and I thought for sure someone would guess it. Hehehe...no one did, good gracious me! Thank you for your lovely words of encouragement! Yes, I did get your email, but I'm still busy cleaning my house for sale...I'll most likely answer you tomorrow. The sun sucked out all my energy when I trimmed the yard today. :-P Take care and thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 28 August 2004
· Chapter 35: Uncertainties
Oh my. I hadn't thought of something like that. How dreadful, for both Lilas and Pippin. Do they tell her what's happening? Who would tell her, and how? How much time does she have? I know that sounds morbid, but she would want to say a proper goodbye, if she could.
I could probably say a lot more, but I haven't been able to think it through. I feel so much for Pippin right now, too. He just recently started feeling affection for this lass he married to, and now this happens. He's going to have to learn to live without her as his companion, and the mother of his child. He's going to have to raise a child alone, and he's going to have to learn to love again. None of these are easy tasks. Oh my.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
I always look forward to your reviews, Connie...they're always so insightful and full of questions. However...this particular review contains questions I can't anwswer or reply to...just yet. Please accept my apology for now, and I'll make up for it next update! :-) Thank you for taking the time to read Roses and leaving a lovely response. Take care!
Pippinfan
Bodkin
· 28 August 2004
· Chapter 35: Uncertainties
Hah - puerperal fever; the cause of death of many young mothers until the advent of antibiotics and the d and c.
Feed her penicillin mould - it's probably a folk remedy in the Shire!
Author's reply
Hello, Bodkin!
I take it "the Fever" has many names...I had a couple of them: Endomitritis and Child Bed Fever...I shortened it to just "the Fever". Yes, even today it *still* plagues women, but we now have--as you said, antibiotics--so no one dies, unless they don't seek medical attention. And when that is the case, their ending, alas! will be the same as if they lived in Lilas' time, whether it be 1321 or 2004. Unfortunately, Jonah Salk wasn't a hobbit, and he didn't live in Middle-earth, let alone, the Shire. :-) Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Samwisegirl12, who is too lazy to login
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 34: The Verge of Love
oh no! she's gonna die, I just know it!
Should Lilas really be nursing Rosebud when she's obviously ill? Couldn't she pass on the illness to the baby? uh-oh! don't you dare kill them both!
So what is she sick with? Diptheria? Cholera? I bet you won't say if one of us gets it.. that'd give it away, and I'm sure you don't want us to find out what's gonna happen.
v. good! more please!
~ swg ~
Author's reply
As far as which illness she has, you're not any closer than the other readers' guesses. You will all see it soon--perhaps even a bit in the next chapter.
I thought the same as you, swg, but you'll just have to read the story to find out your answer to the nursing dilemma. If, by the end of the story, you feel I didn't adequately address it, ask me again at that time. :-) Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Bluegrass Elf
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 34: The Verge of Love
Oh no! Poor Lilas!
Author's reply
Yes, poor Lilas--and poor Pippin! :-(
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 34: The Verge of Love
Uh-oh, I feel like my trusty box of klenex is about to come in handy. I hope I have enough of them. What do you think? A second box, perhaps? I loved Estella in this chapter. She will make a great mom. Seems to come naturally to her.
Liked this part:
Perhaps his eldest sister may know what to do; she often did when he was a young lad. He missed her “motherly” manner. At once, he was at the door knocking.
Shows Pip is still a bit too young for all of this and also shows how much he depends on his family. Water-proofing the keyboard and waiting for more.
Author's reply
You're absolutely right, G.W.--he is growing up much too fast for a lad his age. I think Estella had to be a lovely young lass because she married one of my two favorite hobbits! There should be more of his sisters coming up in future chapters... Thanks for reading!
Take care,
Pippinfan
Pervinca
· 22 August 2004
· Chapter 34: The Verge of Love
Oh, no! It's started. Poor Pippin - and Rosebud too. You've made it so clear how much she depends on her mother. How will she cope without her?
Lol, I have to admit this. As I was reading through the symptons that Lilas was experiencing, I was coming up with diagnoses for what she may have. I have come up with meningitis or Glandular fever, but I wonder if hobbits ever suffered from those :P
- Pervinca
Author's reply
All infants depend on their mother--or father. More so on their mothers for obvious reasons, but fathers can be just as successful, which is one of the reasons I wanted to tell this tale from its inception in my wild imagination. I'm not trying to be unfeeling, but Rosebud will cope--just like all infants did once upon a time.
It's neither meningitis nor Glandular fever...you're cold, too! (the hot/cold game) Thankfully no one has guessed it. :-P I had to do research in order to come up with this ailment, though the "funny" thing is that it isn't uncommon--any more today than it was "back then". (Hints for the biology major!) I do rather like your medical knowledge...very handy while writing your own stories, is it not? My resources have either been the internet or my sister, who is a nurse.
Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
melilot hill
· 22 August 2004
· Chapter 34: The Verge of Love
Oh no. I knew Lilas would be getting ill, but it's still hard to read about it. The symptoms she has remind me of spotted fever (at least if that's the correct translation for the Dutch name "neck-cramp"). I can't wait to read the next chapter, even though I know it will make me sad. You write so well.
Author's reply
You're cold, too. ;-) (referring to the Hot/Cold game) You, Connie and Pervinca are all cold. (smiles wickedly) It should all come out in the next chapter--and yes, it may make you sad. It makes me sad as I write it. Oy...
Thank you for reading Roses! :-)
Pippinfan