pipspebble
· 21 August 2004
· Chapter 34: The Verge of Love
*cringing* All right, I know it's coming, I can feel it coming, but you have so made me love Lilas and Rosebud I dread what happens next. This is *such* a beautiful story, I don't care how much it makes me cry in the end. Lovely, lovely job.
Author's reply
Thanks Pipspebble! What the heck--my own eyes are tearing up as I write it! What does that say about me? Hehehe. I have enough cyber-tissue for us both and anyone else who wants any! :-)
Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Beruthiel
· 21 August 2004
· Chapter 34: The Verge of Love
Drat. I had a nice review all ready to post, then the electricity went and I lost it. Isn't modern life wonderful sometimes?
Too bad old Silas is still being stubborn, because I have a suspicion he may try to reconcile too late. Methinks something bad is about to happen. Kleenex on standby.
I just love Pippin's little moments with Rosebud. You can really tell he loves her with all his heart. I can't imagine a better father for her. (How about that. I'm getting sappy and sentimental. Takes a very good story to do that to me, you know.)
Could Pippin be falling in love with Lilas? I honestly didn't think he would. Of course, it could still turn out to be love of an unromantic variety. And if Lilas's dreams really are coming true, well, this *is* AU.
Which reminds me: How would you feel about a sequel to "Roses"? Perhaps a Pippin/Diamond romance? I've often wondered what sort of effects this premature parenthood would have later in Pippin's life, because he can't just forget all about Lilas and Rosebud and go on with his old life as if the whole thing never happened. I'm particularly interested in how it would affect his courtship with Diamond, since D would certainly know about his previous marriage (and the reason for it). Just a nuzgul that's been percolating in my head lately, and would very much like to be written.
I'm aware that you don't plan on using Lilas et al. in any other stories, so would you consider letting someone else (me, for instance) borrow your characters and try a sequel? (Please?)
Author's reply
If Benjamin Franklin were alive today, his wealth would exceed Bill Gates, Donald Trump, and the Google Brothers (what I call them) all put together! Ever heard of "filthy rich"? He'd be disgusting!
I'm glad you like those little Pippin/Rosebud moments...I think they're precious, too. Is Pippin falling in love with Lilas? I don't know...and neither does he, really. Pippin's infatuated with his little family right now, and Lilas is part of his family. To go refer to your nuzgul, Pippin's not been "in love" yet so he has no standard with which to measure the depth of his love. I felt that when Diamond does come along, it will make his love towards her all the sweeter because he will now know the difference.
As for your idea for a sequel...I can't tell you how flattering it is to me for someone to want to do a sequel of Roses. Why don't you PM me? My email link is listed on my author's page, if not (I haven't emailed myself lately), I'm at UofJC1983@aol.com.
Thank you for reading Roses! :-)
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 21 August 2004
· Chapter 34: The Verge of Love
Oh dear. Here we go. I knew it was coming, but it's still hard to accept. Now I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with Lilas. I'm starting to think that she has something like a blood clot or high blood pressure. Whatever it is, I have a feeling that her's will not be an easy passing, especially since she will fight to stay with Pippin and Rosebud.
Now I just have to wait another week to see if I'm on the right track. Oh, the waiting is so hard. It's enough that the story is sad, but waiting just prolongs the suffering.
Please write soon.
You made a comment in an earlier review reply that asked if I was at home and not watching over your shoulder. I swear that I'm at home and behaving. If only I could see what you were writing, then the suspence wouldn't be killing me.
Connie B.
Author's reply
I'm so sorry, Connie! I try writing as fast as I can, but then I'm not a professional writer, so I usually end up with a few sticky spots that need help with a beta-type read. I post as soon as I get the green light. The technical things of Lilas' pregnancy and birth would often have a snag that needed help, but now that Rosebud is among us, the chapters ought to go a bit faster. I *was* posting twice a week in the beginning and I'd like to get back to that.
As for your guesses, you're cold! It's neither, but the passing of a loved one is never easy--even AU characters. I will return to my writing as soon as I'm finished with my 'thank you' cards. ;-)
Hehehe...you may be at home, but are you truly behaving?? Thanks for reading Roses! :-)
Pippinfan
pipspebble
· 15 August 2004
· Chapter 33: Parenthood
YES, I HAVE MY TISSUES! *sob* I know it's coming and you might just as well get it done because the anticipation is KILLING me! This is such a lovely story. Have I told you that lately?
Author's reply
LOL...yes you have! And I love you for it--but not like that! You all have a lovely treat coming in ch. 34...I'm almost finished with it...(wicked laughter). Thank you pipspebble for your wonderful encouragement and reading Roses! :-)
Pippinfan
Pervinca
· 15 August 2004
· Chapter 33: Parenthood
Ohhh, sweet. I just love the way Pippin has become somewhat obsessive about his little daughter. It's gorgeous :) He makes such a wonderful father.
Tissues? I need tissues? Oh no, I have a terrible feeling about what might be going to happen soon.
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Yes, he does, doen't he? He takes after his own father in that regard, and I hope that came through in the last bit.
Well, you don't *have* to use tissue...you can use your shirtsleeve like young Pippin and Merry do. ;-)
Thanks for reading Roses, Pervinca! Take care.
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 14 August 2004
· Chapter 33: Parenthood
I have my tissues. In fact, I expected to need them for this chapter. Loved your sleepy Pippin with nothing on his mind but his child and the looks exchanged between Frodo and Merry were cute too. Don't keep my tissues waiting too long for the next chapter as I don't want them going stale on me. (can tissues do that?) I am both dreading and looking forward to more of this. Go easy on me, PF. I don't want to ruin my keyboard.
Author's reply
LOL...as always, you have a way of making me laugh! Go easy??? Get real, GW! I'm going to make you bawl until your eyeballs pop out! That is, if mine don't do that first! :-P And yes, tissues can get "stale" if they're the lotion kind--they tend to dry out. "Things" may begin in the next chapter, however, depending on how emotional you are you might be able to hold off until the following chapter. :-) That's your last "hint"!
You are a sweet lady, Grey Wonderer! Thanks for reading and sending your lovely, encouraging reviews!
Pippinfan
p.s. Any more updates to Trust a Took and a Brandybuck??? I will patiently wait for more!! :-) (okay...more like kids waiting for mom and dad to take them to the amusement park)
Connie B.
· 14 August 2004
· Chapter 33: Parenthood
Oh, did this chapter bring back some memories. I was the exhausted one when my daughter was born. When she was two weeks old, we got this "bright" idea to have a bunch of people over to celebrate. Between the many nights of interupted sleep, all the people visiting, my causing a minor kitchen fire, by the end of the night I was a crying basket case. They ordered me to bed assuring me that there were enough capable hands in the house to take care of my precious little girl. I can so relate to Pippin falling asleep at the table.
Oh the joys of new parenthood. Come to think of it, that joy hasn't worn off. I still brag on my child every chance I get, and always seem to steer the conversation toward her.
Yes, I have my tissues ready.
Connie B.
Author's reply
I figured some folks would actually call me on this one, but so far no. I sort of switched the "roles"...yes, Lilas is going to be exhausted from the get-go; she's the one breastfeeding, changing the diapers, the most familiar person to little Rosebud. There will be no rest for the weary for quite a long time...well--almost a long time! ;-) I wanted to explore the daddy's side a little--at least, one who is very loving and attentive to his wife and child's needs. He, too, would be tired--and what would be the resulting attachment? We'll get to see a bit more of that between Pippin and Rosebud.
Please feel free to brag on your child here! I love to hear tales of childhood--kids can be so funny! They think they're the first to do everything, and then wonder why their parents catch them in the act of mischief everytime! (which is the premise for my stories 80% of the time in my "real universe") :-)
Thanks for reading Roses and all of your encouraging reviews!
Pippinfan
Pervinca
· 12 August 2004
· Chapter 32: The First Day
Oh, so sweet! I've had so many issues recently, that I'm only just catching up on all my reading! The birth was written very well! I think I've done way too much embryology to write a hobbit birth scene - I'd end up using too many scienfic terms, lol.
Rosebud Took - it's a sweet little name. Girls are always spoilt the most. I can imagine that Rosebud will end up like I was as a child :P
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Hello, Pervinca!! Just in time to catch your namesake in the upcoming chapters. ;-) I hope school wasn't bogging you down too much. I think in having taken an Embryology class, you'd be perfect for writing a birth scene! Myst and Pearl helped me a LOT on that one. I'll be checking out your newest story soon! Take care!
Pippinfan
p.s. You--spoilt? Nah! Don't believe it for a second. :-)
Bluegrass Elf
· 10 August 2004
· Chapter 32: The First Day
Don't be evil, now. We doesn't want Rosebud and Lilas to die on us, no precious.
Author's reply
Evil? Evil??? We're not evil, my preciousssss, my love. Got tissue?
Thank you, Bluegrass Elf, for reading and being so kind to leave a kind (and humorous) review. I promise to try to be better at thank you cards in the future.
Pippinfan
Pearl Took
· 9 August 2004
· Chapter 32: The First Day
This was beautiful, tender, soft and warm as Rosebud herself. I loved it!!!
Author's reply
My sweet, sweet Pearl! Thank you for all your patience in editing! You are most kind and wonderful. We're on for that steak dinner when this lovely story is finished--in appreciation for it all! Thanks, Pearl!! :-)
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 8 August 2004
· Chapter 32: The First Day
Uh-oh, looks like things are going to go down-hill from here aren't they? I shall put the klenex next to my computer and wait for more chapters. Enjoyed this one very much! I like the idea of Merry and Frodo spoiling Pippin's child like they spoiled Pippin. The little chair was a nice sign that the father was starting to come round on this. I am now wondering if he'll be in time.
Author's reply
Yes, GW, by all means--break out the tissue! My apologies for not responding sooner. :-(
I think all hobbits spoil their children to some degree. JRRT said that parents were quite...what was the word?...indulgent! Will Silas be in time? We'll just have to wait and see...
Thank you for reading Roses and for your lovely review!
Pippinfan
pipspebble
· 8 August 2004
· Chapter 32: The First Day
Yep. I'm still hooked. Though I just *know* you're gonna rip my heart out in the end. It's lovely, still. Keep it coming. :-)
Author's reply
No! I won't rip your heart out! Rosebud and Lilas will do that on their own! I am apologizing for not sending my thank you card sooner--but I thank you for reading Roses and leaving your most kind review! Thank you!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 8 August 2004
· Chapter 32: The First Day
Oh, the first days of parenthood. What an exciting, stressful time.
I'm glad you're giving them a little time to enjoy the baby. I am getting really curious about what's going to happen. I love angst, but the thought of Pippin, and the baby, losing Lilas saddens me a lot. I hope the Lilas doen't waste away from post-partum depression or something like that.
I really like this story. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Connie, I am so sorry for not responding sooner. For some stupid-odd reason, I sometimes think I've already sent a thank you note. :-(
Yes, it was exactly that--I felt after carrying the baby for so long, at least Lilas ought to get to enjoy her flesh and blood for a wee bit. No--I will say not from PPD. Connie, by your responses, I sometimes get the feeling that you're looking over my shoulder when I write my stories! Where the heck are you right now anyway?? At home, I hope! Take care...
Pippinfan
melilot hill
· 6 August 2004
· Chapter 31: It's a...
Shame on me then :) I was expecting the worst. Of course I'm glad to read a happy chapter, but now I'm wondering what IS going to happen. Great chapter!
Author's reply
Hello Melilot! I'm late as usual with my replies...my apologies. What IS going to happen is...well it'll begin next chapter, I believe. Can't quite say how, who, what, or when...but we'll know why! :-P Take care!
Pippinfan
Beruthiel
· 1 August 2004
· Chapter 31: It's a...
I'm afraid I'm one of those people who expected the worst here. Glad to see I was wrong.
Also happy they let Pippin in the room. I never understood why they didn't let men be with their wives during childbirth before recently. It really doesn't make sense to me.
This chapter was very well done, in my opinion. Seemed realistic enough (though I can't be *absolutely* sure of that, since I don't have kids).
As to that great question: Can one really die of curiosity? The answer is yes, but fortunately I managed to save my life by distracting myself with horror movies. Not sure how much longer that will work, however, so you'd better update post haste. Killing off your readers is no way to get reviews, now, is it?
Looking forward to Pippin's adventures with Rosebud!
Author's reply
Hello Beruthiel! I'm sorry--I thought I answered you already--are you still alive?? I hate to think you died while waiting... Things are going to get a bit more exciting in the next chapter...and hopefully a bit sooner. Take care!
Pippinfan
I am exhausted! Childbirth is very draining. I feel as if I've pushed out a baby while reading this. Thankfully, I haven't but this chapter makes me feel as if I am right there. Great writing. I love the way you got Pippin into the room with Lilas during the birth. Well, I'm taking a long nap now. I've earned it. All that pushing.....
Author's reply
LOL...you and me both! I was doing the "breathing routine" right along with Lilas and Pippin! A nap sounds very good right now...on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Thank you, Grey Wonderer for reading Roses! See you in the next chapter of Trust a Took and a Brandybuck! ;-)
Pippinfan
FantasyFan
· 1 August 2004
· Chapter 31: It's a...
Congratulations to Pip and Lilas on the birth of their daughter, and to you too for writing it. The wonder of a new life is marvellous, isn't it? She's small, but they've come this far all right, so I've got hope for the future.
Author's reply
Wow...thank you FantasyFan! New life certainly is a marvel and a blessing. :-) Thank you for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Connie B.
· 1 August 2004
· Chapter 31: It's a...
I must confess that I was one of those who thought the worst was going to happen. I'm glad I was wrong. I still just know something is going to happen, though. I just can't think of what at the moment.
I liked the idea of them breaking tradition and allowing Pippin to be there for the birth. That's something we kind of take for granted these days, but it really is a fairly new concept.
Sounded like a pretty good description of a birth to me. I don't know if a premature one would be different, or not. Pretty much everyone I know has gone to or past due. I have several friends who were early, but I didn't know their moms, so I'm clueless there.
Now I'm really looking forward to the next chapter.
Connie.
Author's reply
Well, that little comment at the end was tongue-in-cheek...not really admonishing anyone. I can't hide it, as I've written it in the opening paragraph, but something *is* going to happen, but I can't say where, when, or how.
I've read many LOTR fanfic stories where the father isn't allowed insided the room--and those stories are very correct. But after all his cheek, I wanted Pippin to witness his baby's birth. That is about as modern as I believe I will get in this story.
And thank you for the compliment! Thanks for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Beruthiel
· 21 July 2004
· Chapter 30: The Calm Before the Storm
This is very cruel of you, taking so long to update and then leaving us with such a cliffhanger. Is it really possible to die of curiosity that has been aggravated by suspense? We'll find out unless you update SOON.
You're not going to kill the baby so soon, are you? That would not be good.
Author's reply
So sorry, Beruthiel! My apologies for taking this long to reply, but RL is still sitting on my shoulders. There should be an update this week, but I have to finish it first so it can be edited by my co-authors. If not for RL, I'd have more in the wings.
I didn't realize that it was a cliffie...but looking at it again, I guess it would be! Oops. I don't like to do that when the updates are this far apart--its not fair. Is it possible to die of curiosity, aggravated by suspense? Don't know, but a cat might!
Take a couple aspirin and wait out the storm... Thank you for reading Roses! :-)
Pippinfan
melilot hill
· 21 July 2004
· Chapter 30: The Calm Before the Storm
Another great chapter, but the sense of forboding is getting very strong. In a way, I'm glad you hinted that something would go wrong in the beginning, otherwise we would be in for a great shock, I think.
Author's reply
Hello Melilot! Thank you, and my apologies for taking this long to reply.
Yes, I hinted on purpose because I hate watching movies where you *know* the character that you like the most is going to...well, "disappear" halfway through. I dislike "shocks" myself. Chapter 31 is in the making, so another update should be coming this week. Thank you so much for reading Roses!
Pippinfan
Grey Wonderer
· 20 July 2004
· Chapter 30: The Calm Before the Storm
Great chapter. Hope everything is alright in your real world. I am looking forward to the birth in one way and in another I am worried about all of them. Loved the bit with the lettuce!
Author's reply
Thank you, Grey Wonderer! You are so sweet--and a good friend. Thank you--my apologies for taking this long to reply.
Ah...the lettuce. I got that straight from my own mother a couple weeks ago. That is what she ate while she was pregnant with me...answers why I love salt! I'll choose Pringles over a Snicker's bar anytime!
The birth is in the next chapter...so I'll keep this short so I can finish it up. ;-) Take care!
Pippinfan
btw...I will be visiting "Trust a Took and a Brandybuck" either tonight or definitely tomorrow--I definitely deserve a treat! I earned it today!! I loved the first several chapters that I did get to read last weekend! :-)
Connie
· 20 July 2004
· Chapter 30: The Calm Before the Storm
Once again you've written a great chapter.
I knew something along these lines was going to happen, it just had to.
I find it interesting that so many people visualize Pippin being born too early. I had thought that for many years, but had no idea that anyone else suspected the same thing until I started reading LOTR fanfic. Nice to know others think about this stuff as much as I do, and that I'm not totally out there in my thinking.
Oh, I hope you RL calms down and lets you write more.
Connie.
Author's reply
Hello Connie--and thank you! My aplogies for taking this long to reply.
As far as Pippin being born early, no--you're not "out there". ;-) I was the same as you. Yet it all makes perfect sense: Pippin is obviously the smallest, always calling for a break while on the journey to Crickhollow, very quick to tire out. There is one other reason that is escaping me at the moment, but for a young tween to be doing that is quite odd--especially when he's travelling with a fifty year old and his very healthy friend.
RL is still going strong, but with all the encouragement and support I've received from friends like you, I'm hanging in there. Thank you. :-)
Pippinfan
FantasyFan
· 20 July 2004
· Chapter 30: The Calm Before the Storm
Well, you've been hinting since the beginning that not all would go smoothly. I'm hoping for both Pippin's and Lilas' sake that the baby will live, but you've got me worried for both mother and child. Pip and Lilas have come so far in their relationship from where they began, that a tragedy would be very unfair now. Of course, life isn't always fair. So I'm holding my breath for the next chapter. (And I hope RL lets up on you, too.)
FF
Author's reply
Hello FantasyFan! Always nice to hear from you! My aplogies for taking this long to reply.
Yes,Lilas and Pippin have come a long way...and I can't say any more than that or else I'll give away the rest of the story. I'll be as quick as I can so that you're not holding your breath for too long! :-) Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to leave a lovely review!
Pippinfan
Beruthiel
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 29: Goodnight
I just realized something. You forgot about Sam and Rosie's wedding!!!! This chapter takes place on May 1, right? According to Appendix B in Return of the King, in 1420, "May 1: Samwise marries Rose." Merry and Pippin wouldn't stay at the Great Smials and miss Sam's wedding, would they?
Author's reply
Dang!! I was hoping no one would catch that oversight until my next update! I caught it the day after I posted it. I'll go ahead and adjust the date here at SOA because it's easieer than at that "other" site...ff.net will have to wait!
FYI...I decided to back the chapter's date to Astron 30, so that Merry would (in imaginations everywhere) be able to attend. I don't want to go back and write up a wedding ceremony because this is more a Pippin story--and AU at that. Also, my co-authors are running me ragged with my upcoming chapters--I'm trying to get them to press (published).
There are plenty of lovely Sam and Rosie romances for all of Sam's fans. ;-) Pippin, however, may not want to leave his wife so close to delivering. And traveling in the manner that they did would be too uncomfortable for her. It's the price of being an expectant father--and Sam, being the wonderful hobbit that he is, would understand...I hope you agree. :-)
Thank you for your sharp eye!!
Pippinfan
Bluegrass Elf
· 11 July 2004
· Chapter 29: Goodnight